clickandcollect

Click and collect is a retail service that enables customers to buy goods online and pick them up at a physical store or designated pickup point. It blends e-commerce convenience with the immediacy of in-person retrieval, allowing shoppers to avoid home delivery windows and, in some cases, shipping fees. The service is commonly marketed as click-and-collect, buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS), or similar terms in different markets.

Process: Customers place an online order, select a pickup location and time slot, and complete payment either online or at pickup. The retailer allocates the items for the order and stages them for collection. Upon arrival, the customer presents proof of purchase or a pickup code to staff or uses curbside or locker pickup where available.

Variants include in-store pickup, curbside pickup, drive-through collection, and automated locker stations located at stores or transit hubs. Efficiency gains arise from consolidating fulfillment with store operations and enabling same-day or next-day retrieval, while retailers benefit from increased foot traffic and better inventory visibility.

Adoption and impact: Click and collect has been widely adopted in North America, Europe, and other regions, particularly by grocery and general merchandise retailers. It can improve conversion rates and reduce last-mile delivery costs, but requires accurate inventory, integrated order management, and clear pickup processes to minimize delays and mis-picks. Security, theft risk, and handling of returns are common operational considerations.