B&Q launches trial of marketplace click and collect
B&Q has launched a pilot for a new click and collect service for customers ordering products from third-party marketplace sellers on its website.
The service gives customers the option to buy products from third-party sellers on the retailer’s website for collection at their local B&Q store from the next day. It is being trialled at B&Q’s Fareham store and, if successful, will be extended to 300 B&Q shops through a phased roll out.
The retailer said the move marks a first for a UK marketplace and makes it easier for customers to complete their home improvement projects by combining their B&Q Marketplace orders with in-store purchases. It also complements the return-to-store service already available to B&Q customers for purchases from third-party sellers.
Virginia Wakefield, e-commerce director at B&Q said: “It’s great to be launching this new service and to be extending our in-store collection services to customers buying from B&Q’s third-party Marketplace sellers at diy.com. Around 90% of our customers begin their shopping experience on the web, and we’re seeing strong conversion of digital customers into store footfall as a result.
Subscribe to TRB“Marketplace click and collect will give our customers even more convenience by further seamlessly integrating the online and in-store shopping experience. Our third-party sellers benefit too by being able to offer their customers more delivery options and access to customers who prefer to pick up their orders in store.”
Customers shopping on diy.com will see a click and collect option available for selected products sold by third-party sellers. After completing their purchase, they can choose their preferred B&Q store for collection. Once the order is ready, they will receive a notification to visit the store and pick up their items from the same dedicated in-store collection area used for all click and collect orders.
