Woolworths says it will offer customers “more convenience than ever before” for their festive shop, releasing an additional one million online order slots across Australia in the lead up to Christmas.

According to the retailer, the significant increase in delivery capacity compared to last year is designed to help more Australians manage the busy festive period. The extra capacity will be available across Woolworths Delivery, Direct to Boot and Delivery Now.

Woolworths Group CEO Amanda Bardwell says this investment is about making the Christmas shop that little bit easier for our customers.

“We know Christmas is an exciting but incredibly busy time, as families juggle end of year commitments with preparing for their festive celebrations,” she says.

“By opening up an extra million order slots, we’re giving our customers more flexibility to choose a time and way to shop that works for them.

“Whether it’s planning the big shop in advance with a Delivery or Direct to Boot slot, or getting those last minute forgotten ingredients via Delivery Now, we’re committed to helping our customers shop for Christmas their way.”

Over the season, Woolworths expects to fulfill more than four million online orders, including over 2.4 million delivery orders and over 1.6 million pick ups.

To help customers access the extra slots, Woolworths is offering free delivery nationwide on orders over $150 from midday today (1 December) until 5 December.