A purchasing method where you order products online and pick them up at a physical store or designated collection point. Also known as BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick-up In Store), it is a core component of omnichannel strategy that combines the convenience of EC with the immediacy of physical retail.
How Click and Collect Works and Why It Has Spread
Click and collect is a system where consumers order and pay for products online, then pick them up at a designated store or locker. Representative examples in Japan include Uniqlo's "Store Pickup Service," Yodobashi Camera's "Store Pickup," and Aeon's "Online Supermarket Store Pickup." Some services allow pickup within just a few hours of ordering, meeting the need for "I want it today but don't have time to browse in-store."
The spread of click and collect is driven by EC shipping cost issues and the redelivery problem. Home delivery incurs shipping fees, and redelivery when the recipient is absent increases the logistics burden. With click and collect, shipping is often free, and consumers can reliably pick up their items at a convenient time. For businesses, it also reduces last-mile delivery costs and promotes additional purchases (impulse buys) when customers visit the store. Research indicates that approximately 40% of click and collect users make additional purchases at pickup.
Practical Tips for Smart Use of Click and Collect
The biggest consumer benefit of click and collect is saving on shipping. Many retail chains waive shipping fees when store pickup is selected, allowing even small orders that fall below the free shipping threshold to be purchased without additional cost. At Uniqlo, store pickup is free from a single item, saving the 500 yen shipping fee that would apply for home delivery.
Another benefit is the ability to inspect products on the spot at pickup. For apparel and footwear in particular, some services allow you to check size and color in person and return or exchange items right there if they don't fit. This eliminates the EC disadvantage of "not being able to see the actual product." However, be aware that pickup deadlines exist. Many services automatically cancel orders not picked up within 7-14 days, so it is wise to order with your available pickup dates in mind. Depending on store inventory, items may take several days to arrive via transfer, so selecting a store with stock on hand is advisable when you need something urgently.
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