Last Mile Solutions is downplaying the notion that the launch of its online shopping service has been delayed by several months. The service is being developed with Waitrose, which owns a 40% stake in LMS. The two companies had originally expected their service to be operational by the summer. And only last month there were predictions the launch would take place in a matter of weeks. Now Waitrose chiefs say the launch will probably take place in September or October. They expect it to have a low key Christmas before building momentum next year. The net based service will use picking depots and after targeting London will be rolled out to cities such as Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. Waitrose believes the service could turn over £2bn within five years without cannibalising sales from stores. {{NEWS }}

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