Germany: Lidl launches Vorratsbox to compete with Amazon Pantry

Discount retailer Lidl has unveiled a new 'box' delivery service in Germany in a bid to compete with Amazon Pantry, according to reports in the German media.

The new Vorratsbox service – which roughly translates as 'box of supplies' – allows consumers to fill a box with groceries and have it delivered to a specified address within two to three days. Deliveries are carried out "safely and securely" by DHL and can also be made to "pack station" delivery points instead of the consumer's home address. There is no minimum delivery amount and all products are available at "discount" prices, according to Lidl.

The move by Lidl follows the decision earlier in the month by Amazon to expand its Amazon Pantry service to Germany and Austria. Amazon Pantry allows consumers to fill a box with up to 20kg of groceries and have them delivered to their front door or to a nominated safe place for a charge of €4.99 ($5.65)  per box.

The price of the Lidl service is €4.95 ($5.60), but – for the moment unlike Amazon Pantry – consumers can also add fresh goods to the order for an additional charge of €1 ($1.13) .

Source: Onlinehandler News / Lidl / E-Commerce Facts