Ebay has agreed to trial a new service that will allow shoppers to pick up selected orders at Argos stores.
The agreement is a world first for eBay which said it had chosen the UK because the penetration of click and collect is higher than any of its other markets. It is also the first time a UK retailer has partnered with an online retailer in this way.
The scheme, between two retailers that many would consider rivals, is being piloted in around 150 of Argos' 700 shops. It includes at least 50 eBay merchants - which are expected to be named within the next month.
The tie up could challenge the CollectPlus service which is already used by Amazon, eBay and other online retailers. It could also overshadow Amazon's Locker scheme - a far less prolific proposition than CollectPlus that uses passcode lockers at local shops such as Spar convenience stores or Co-operative supermarkets.
Online retailers are desperately seeking ways to help customers avoid the growing headache of missing deliveries or the inflexibility of some delivery options.
It is expected that more such tie-ups between retailers and pure-play e-commerce retailers could be on the way - particularly if the eBay-Argos trial proves successful.
Argos has limited the trial to six months to ensure that can test whether the partnership will cannibalise its sales or disrupts its stores.
The Argos Check & Reserve service, launched back in the year 2000, currently accounts for about a third of the retailer's business. Argos managing director John Walden pointed out that Argos already partners with aBay by selling its products through the web site.
'We look forward to assessing the opportunity for Argos to provide fulfilment for eBay's merchants, including the operational requirements, attractiveness to sellers and consumers, and opportunity for increased customer footfall,' said Walden.
Ebay also said it plans to launch a one-hour delivery service in London next year. Ebay operates the 'eBay Now' service in New York and San Francisco that allows shoppers to receive orders from Toys R Us, Urban Outfitters, Home Depot and other local stores within an hour of completing their order for a $5 charge.
Ebay president of Marketplaces Devin Wenig said: 'Traditional retail isn't going away; it is transforming. Smart retailers are innovating, reimagining 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.'
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