In the United Kingdom, merchants are offering customers new options to make ecommerce more convenient. The "click-and-collect" system means that consumers buy items online and then pick them up from specified locations instead of choosing home delivery. Retail customer trends point to the popularity of the service, and merchants are transforming this concept to provide shoppers with added conveniences, such as:

• Faster delivery. With click-and-collect services, shoppers don't have to wait as long to receive their orders. Instead, patrons can reserve items online and then pick them up from the store or from designated areas, The Drum explained. Other merchants provide fast item delivery by avoiding the "final mile" and leaving packages at central pickup locations.
• Subway pickup. The Transport for London (TfL) public transportation system has formed partnerships with retailer industry leaders to offer pickup locations from Underground station car parks. After initial success with pickup lockers for several retailers, the transit system recently announced agreements with additional merchants. The service gives customers a convenient way to pick up their purchases on their commute, drawing business for the retailers.
• Try on items first. At a shopping center in Westfield, customers pick up their online click-and-collect purchases and try them on before taking them home, The Telegraph reported. Instead of having to transport items back and forth if they don't fit, consumers can make decisions before leaving the pickup center.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Thursday, February 6th, 2014 at 4:49 am .