I began using online groceries when Tesco was the only one that delivered round here - about 1996/97.
As the other grocery stores started a delivery service, I tried them too, so I have used Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys. I now use Ocado, who
do not have any stores and fill orders from Waitrose warehouses.
Stores are more expensive to maintain than warehouses and are not likely to generate profit in towns where there is too much competition.
The future of grocery shopping is a
weekly delivery, topped up by
small retail outlets of the type which Tesco has, (for those of you who can't organise your weekly shop efficiently.
)
I recall that Sainsburys did express an interest in Accrington at one time, but dropped the idea when Tesco was given the go ahead.