UK consumers embracing click and collect offerings

In the past, U.K. consumers have ordered items online and seen delivery dates altered due to inclement weather during the holiday season. To prevent a present from arriving too late for Christmas, while still taking advantage of the deals from online stores, more consumers are purchasing items online and picking them up in-store or at collection spots.

Internet Retailer reported heavy snowstorms in 2010 contributed to billions of online deliveries altered and delayed. As a result, about one in 10 online orders in the U.K. are now being picked up at collection points rather than delivered to homes.

The source reported that in the past 12 months, John Lewis has seen its click and collect business double across its 28 department stores, accounting for 20 percent of online orders. In addition, 80 percent of Waitrose products are available through click and collect, using a virtual store that enables customers to scan QR codes on in-store items to purchase them on their smartphone, and then pick them up at a later date.

House of Fraser is planning to launch two virtual department stores incorporating click and collect, as well. Customers will be able to upload photos and virtually try items on before purchasing. The retailer anticipates this will decrease the number of returns and encourage repeat purchases.