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eBay launches click and collect for UK retailers, one-hour deliveries in London

Love to eBay, but not a fan of waiting? Then Devin Wenig -- the auction site's president -- has some good news for you today. At a London press conference, he's just announced the firm is launching "click and connect," a service that (as you might have guessed) lets you purchase from large high-street retailers, and pick your item up in-store in the UK. For those merchants that don't have a physical presence, a collaboration with British store Argos will mean they can deliver items through the chain's infrastructure, offering another delivery channel. Initially Wenig advises that 150 Argos stores will have an "eBay collection point" with more locations likely to follow. There's no word so far on costs to the seller (or buyer), but when you simply just gotta have it...

Update: Oh, and just like that, if collect in store wasn't convenient enough, Wenig has just announced that eBay now, its one hour delivery service will be coming to Europe, starting in London early next year.

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New service enables eBay sellers to offer collection at Argos
eBay and Argos trial national service offering Click & Collect opportunity to eBay merchants

London, 24th September 2013. eBay, one of the world's largest online marketplaces and Argos, the UK's leading general merchandise retailer, have joined forces to offer a Click & Collect service, enabling shoppers to purchase products from selected eBay merchants and pick them up at Argos stores throughout the UK.

eBay's marketplace and Argos' store network make a powerful and unique combination - a first for the UK. At least 50 eBay merchants will participate in this trial, enabling a wide range of merchandise to be readily available for collection by customers from around 150 Argos stores in primary locations nationally.

As shoppers continue to use digital channels and demand a variety of convenient fulfilment methods for their orders, Click & Collect is expected to grow significantly in the UK. According to the Econsultancy Online Shopping Survey, 40% of UK shoppers used some form of Click & Collect service over Christmas 2012.

This trial delivers what shoppers want: choice, convenience and speed – the opportunity to shop anytime, anywhere, on any device. Customers want to feel inspired by the product on offer; engage in the shopping experience; feel reassured that their transaction is secure and that their purchase will be delivered on time to a location convenient to them.

As Devin Wenig, President, eBay says;
"The distinction between offline and online shopping continues to blur. At eBay we continue to find new ways to connect buyers and sellers. Our mission is connecting people with the things they need and love. 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. This exciting pilot takes us one step nearer to our goal of offering customers an inspired and seamless shopping experience."

John Walden, Managing Director, Argos said:
"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. Having pioneered Click & Collect in the year 2000, it now accounts for around a third of our business and continues to grow. eBay, an innovator in digital and leading online marketplace connecting sellers and consumers, is already a strong partner with Argos and a logical partner for the trial. 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."