Retailer in pioneering link-up: Buy it on eBay - collect it at Argos

At least 50 eBay merchants and around 150 Argos stores will participate in the “Click & Collect” service, with figures showing 40% of UK shoppers used some similar form of the system over Christmas 2012.

Devin Wenig, president of eBay, said: “The distinction between offline and online shopping continues to blur. 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.”

Ebay declined to name the sellers involved in the pilot scheme but said the urban clothing retailer Superdry.com, originally reported to be on board, had not signed up.

Argos managing director John Walden said: “With the continuing growth of online shopping, customers increasingly expect faster, cheaper and more convenient fulfilment of their orders.

“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.”