Ebay has forged a ‘click and collect’ deal with Argos, allowing customers to collect selected purchases from the online marketplace at the high street retail chain. The move comes as eBay looks to compete with market leader Amazon in the UK online retail space by offering more delivery options to shoppers. The “click-and-collect” scheme is […]
Ebay has forged a ‘click and collect’ deal with Argos, allowing customers to collect selected purchases from the online marketplace at the high street retail chain.
The move comes as eBay looks to compete with market leader Amazon in the UK online retail space by offering more delivery options to shoppers.
The “click-and-collect” scheme is being piloted by the e-commerce giant in about 150 shops belonging to the high street chain, which is part of Home Retail Group.
At least 50 eBay merchants, including urban clothing retailer Superdry.com, will take part in the scheme.
Its statement cited research from Econsultancy that 40% of UK shoppers used some form of Click & Collect service over Christmas 2012.
Devin Wenig, President of eBay said: “At eBay we continue to find new ways to connect buyers and sellers. Traditional retail isn’t going away; it is transforming. Smart retailers are innovating, re-imagining the store and what it means to shop. We’re proud to join Argos on this journey. Their unique store network and operating model is fit for serving customers in a digital future. This exciting pilot takes us one step nearer to our goal of offering customers an inspired and seamless shopping experience.”
John Walden, Managing Director of Argos added: “With the continuing growth of online shopping, customers increasingly expect faster, cheaper and more convenient fulfilment of their orders. Few companies move as many products as effectively as Argos through a national network of local stores, served by friendly and well-trained colleagues.
The move may help eBay challenge Amazon’s Locker delivery.
The Amazon scheme lets people order online then pick up their package from a growing number of secure passcode-protected lockers situated in local shops or other public venues.
Both Amazon, eBay and other online retailers are also involved in the separate Collect+ scheme, which allows parcels to be collected from participating corner shops, avoiding the risk of missing a delivery.
