Argos in delivery deal with eBay

Argos and eBay have signed a multi-year deal covering collection and drop-off at Argos stores and delivery within 48 hours.

eBay consumer sellers in the UK will be able to drop-off their sold items at Argos stores from where they will be despatched to eBay buyers. The service will start with 150 stores before the end of 2015, with more stores to follow in the coming year.

The drop-off and delivery service was piloted earlier this year in ten Argos stores across four towns. eBay reckons it is both cheaper and more convenient than comparable services.

Argos and eBay have also extended their existing Click & Collect programme. Since this was launched customers have collected more than three million parcels, from around 800 UK and Northern Ireland Argos stores, sold on behalf of 200,000 businesses selling on eBay.

David Robinson, chief operating officer of Argos, said: “Argos invented click and collect in the UK, and recently added to its record of innovation by introducing FastTrack Collection and FastTrack Delivery – market leading fulfilment services for the online shopper. The ability for customers to get their purchases quickly, easily and locally has become the new retail battleground.”

Tanya Lawler, UK vice president at eBay, said: “Our ambition with this deal is to grow and establish some of the most exciting and innovative fulfilment services in the UK. The eBay and Argos partnership further dissolves the lines between digital and traditional retail.”