The Growth of Click-and-Collect: Convenience for Busy Shoppers
Over the past decade, shopping habits have drastically changed, thanks to the rise of e-commerce. With the convenience of online shopping, consumers no longer have to leave their homes to purchase products. However, as online shopping continues to grow, so does the demand for a more efficient and convenient way to pick up purchased items. This is where click-and-collect comes in – a shopping trend that has been rapidly gaining popularity among busy shoppers. In this article, we will discuss the growth of click-and-collect and how it has become a game-changer for those who don’t have the luxury of time to wait for their orders to be delivered.
The Rise of Click-and-Collect
Click-and-collect, also known as “buy online, pick up in-store” or BOPIS, allows consumers to place orders online and collect their purchases at a designated store location. It has revolutionized the way people shop, providing the best of both worlds – the convenience of online shopping and the immediacy of in-store purchases.
The concept of click-and-collect has been around for quite some time, but its growth has been exponential in recent years. According to a study by Business Insider Intelligence, click-and-collect sales in the US are expected to reach $137.8 billion in 2021, a 60% increase from 2016. In the UK, click-and-collect already accounts for 16% of total retail sales, with an estimated £9.6 billion spent in 2019.
The Convenience it Brings
One of the main reasons for the immense popularity of click-and-collect is the convenience it brings to busy shoppers. With hectic work schedules and other responsibilities, people don’t always have the luxury of waiting for their orders to be delivered at home. Click-and-collect allows them to make the purchase online and pick it up at a convenient time, without having to wait for days or pay for shipping fees.
Moreover, it eliminates the frustration of missed deliveries and long wait times. With click-and-collect, consumers are in control of when and where they want to pick up their orders. They can choose to collect it during their lunch break, on their way home from work, or on the weekend – making it a hassle-free shopping experience.
The Importance of Speed and Efficiency
Another significant factor contributing to the growth of click-and-collect is speed and efficiency. Many retailers are now offering same-day pickup for online orders, catering to the increasing demand for immediacy. This is especially vital for time-sensitive purchases, such as groceries, where consumers prefer to handpick their items to ensure freshness.
In addition, click-and-collect reduces the chances of items being out of stock or unavailable at the time of purchase. With the ability to check store inventory availability online, customers can be assured that the products they want will be ready for pickup, saving them time and frustration.
More Than Just Convenience
Apart from convenience, click-and-collect also offers several other benefits for both retailers and consumers. For retailers, it helps drive store traffic and increases in-store sales. When customers come to pick up their orders, they are more likely to make additional purchases. In fact, according to a survey by United Parcel Service Inc., 40% of customers who use click-and-collect end up spending more in-store.
For consumers, click-and-collect also offers the opportunity to inspect items before making the final purchase. This is crucial, especially for big-ticket items where people want to ensure they are making the right purchase. Also, it eliminates the risk of items getting damaged during shipping, allowing shoppers to receive their purchases in perfect condition.
The Future of Click-and-Collect
As more retailers embrace click-and-collect, it is safe to say that this shopping trend is here to stay. In fact, market research firm, eMarketer, predicts that click-and-collect sales will continue to grow by double digits in the coming years. Retailers are also constantly finding ways to enhance the click-and-collect experience, such as offering curbside pickup and locker pickup options.
The growth of click-and-collect has also paved the way for other forms of “omnichannel” retailing, where online and offline shopping channels are integrated seamlessly. Not only does this offer convenience for consumers, but it also helps retailers bridge the gap between their physical and digital presence.
The Bottom Line
In a fast-paced world where convenience is key, click-and-collect has proven to be a game-changer for busy shoppers. With its convenience, speed, and efficiency, it has become the preferred shopping method for many, and its popularity is expected to continue to grow. Retailers who have yet to embrace click-and-collect should take note of this trend and consider implementing it to cater to the changing needs and demands of their customers.
