Ebay and Argos to trial click and collect service
ONLINE auction giant Ebay announced yesterday that it has entered into a national trial with Argos to let customers pick up goods bought on Ebay in Argos stores.
The collection service will initially be trialled at 150 Argos stores for six months and will include goods bought from 50 of Ebay’s sellers.
Ebay did not reveal which sellers would be involved in the trial, but said that both small and larger merchants would be involved.
“Traditional retail isn’t going away; it is transforming. 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,” said Ebay president Devin Wenig.
Ebay also said it plans to trial a one-hour delivery service in London during 2014.
“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 Argos managing director John Walden.
The high street group has spent the last year trying to reposition itself as a digital business, ramping up its online range and closing brick and mortar branches.
Shares in Home Retail Group, which owns Argos as well as DIY chain Homebase, rose 2.4 per cent.