Buzz
Online shopping is convenient, but high shipping costs and long wait times can be drawbacks. In-store pickup addresses these issues by allowing you to place an order online, skip shipping fees, and pick up your item quickly without wandering through the store. Here are some retailers who are leading the way in offering this service.
Apple
With Apple's Personal Pickup Program, you can order from the Apple online store or the Apple Store app, then pick up your items at a nearby retail location. After placing your order, you will usually get an email within an hour confirming it's ready for pickup. When you arrive at the store, simply ask an associate to customize your device to your preferences.
Babies R Us/Toys R Us
Visit the Babies R Us or Toys R Us website, select your preferred store by entering your zip code, and choose "Free Store Pickup" during checkout. Once your order is placed, you’ll receive an email confirming the product is in stock and available for pickup. Don’t forget to bring the confirmation email with you when you collect your order.
According to their website, there’s also an option for someone else to pick up your order. Simply select the "Store Pickup Option" tab, choose "Someone else will pick up this item(s)", and follow the instructions. Items ordered between 8am and 8pm will typically be ready for pickup within an hour.
Best Buy
When checking out, select "Store Pickup" and choose your nearest store. Complete your purchase and await a "Ready for Pickup" email. According to Best Buy, most items are available for pickup within two hours during normal business hours. Be sure to bring the credit card used for the purchase, a valid photo ID, and your order number. Many Best Buy locations offer designated "Store Pickup" parking spaces right in front. Once inside, look for the "Store Pickup" sign to quickly retrieve your order.
If someone else will be picking up your order, choose the "Friends & Family Pickup" option during checkout. You’ll need to provide their name, email, and phone number, and they will be required to show their ID at the store.
Dick's Sporting Goods
When shopping on Dick's website, click "Check Store Availability" beneath the item you want to buy. Enter your zip code to choose your preferred store for pickup. If the item is available for in-store pickup, select "Pick Up in Store" at checkout. You’ll get an email once your order is ready for pickup. Remember to bring this email along with a valid photo ID. Only the person who placed the order is allowed to pick it up. Dick's stated policy indicates that orders placed between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, are usually available within two hours.
Fry's Electronics
Shop on Fry's website, add your items to the cart, then click "In-Store Pickup" on the cart page to begin the process. You will be prompted to enter your zip code to select the closest Fry's location. If your order is eligible, simply check out and wait for an email confirming that your order is ready. According to a Fry's representative, this typically takes about 20 minutes. Bring the email and the credit card used for the purchase to any register at your selected store. As per Fry's stated policy, only the person whose name is on the credit card can pick up the order.
Gamestop
Gamestop's in-store pickup program offers a streamlined shopping experience. On the product page, click "Check Availability" and choose your local store to confirm if the item is in stock. If it is available, simply provide your name, email, and phone number to reserve the item. After receiving an email notification that your order is ready for pickup, you can visit the store to complete your purchase. You'll be charged the in-store price rather than the online price.
Home Depot
During checkout, on the "Shopping Cart" page, select the "Ship to Store" option and choose your local Home Depot location. Once you finalize your purchase, you will receive two emails: one confirming your order and another notifying you when your order is ready for pickup. Bring these emails and a valid photo ID to the customer service desk to collect your order. According to Home Depot's website, most orders are ready within two hours. If you're a professional contractor, make sure to specify that you wish to pick up your items at the Pro Desk when placing your order.
JCPenney
When checking out from JCPenney.com, click on "Pick Up at Store", enter your zip code, and select your home store. You won’t be charged shipping fees, but your order will take 4-7 business days to arrive at your selected store. You'll receive an email when your order is ready, and only the person who placed the order can pick it up. Don't forget to bring the email confirmation and the credit card used to make the purchase when picking up your items.
Kohl's
Kohl's in-store pickup service is currently being launched and is not yet available in all locations. To check if your nearby store participates, click on the "Find in Store" option on the product page. If available, your order will be ready for pickup within four hours. You will receive an email once your order is prepared for collection. Bring the email along with a photo ID and head to the customer service desk. Only the person who placed the order is authorized to pick it up.
Kmart
Kmart's in-store pickup makes shopping easier by clearly marking eligible products with a "Store Pickup" label. To check if your local store has the item in stock, simply enter your zip code on the product's "Detail" page. Once you place the order, you'll get an email confirmation (usually within two hours during business hours) when it's ready for pickup. To collect your items, bring the confirmation email and the credit card used for the purchase to any open register or service desk.
To have someone else pick up your order, simply check the "someone else will pick up my order" box at checkout. Provide their name and email address, and they will receive an email once the order is ready. They will need to print out the email and bring it with them to collect your purchase.
Lowe's
To choose "Store Pickup" as your delivery option, go to the shopping cart page on Lowes.com. After completing your purchase, you'll receive an email notification when your order is ready for pickup. As per Lowe's, if the items are popular and in stock, you'll usually get an email within 2-3 hours. For large orders, it may take longer but should typically be under 24 hours. Once you receive the confirmation, visit the customer service desk with your photo ID to collect your items. If you prefer, you can designate someone else to pick up your order when checking out on Lowe's website. They will also need a photo ID and the email confirmation.
Macy's
Macy's has introduced the "Buy Online, Pick Up in Store" service. When shopping on Macys.com, look for items labeled "NEW! Pick Up in Store" to identify eligible products. At checkout, select your preferred store location and decide which items you want to pick up and which to have delivered to your home. You will receive an email when your items are ready for pickup, typically within 3 hours. Additionally, you can designate another person to pick up your order during checkout. They will need to present a photo ID and the confirmation email at the store.
Office Depot
On the shopping cart page, choose "In-store Pickup" and select your preferred store. Once you've completed your purchase, wait for an email confirming your order is ready for collection. According to Office Depot, most orders are available within an hour. However, if you place an order within two hours of store closing, it will be ready for pickup the following morning, one hour after the store opens. Make sure to bring your confirmation email, a valid photo ID, and the credit card you used. Office Depot will only release the order to the person who placed it.
Sears
Sears offers a standard in-store pickup option for customers who prefer to pick up their online orders in person. But Sears takes it to the next level with their Shop Your Way app, available on iOS and Android. Using the app, an employee will bring your order directly to your car while you wait. After selecting "Store Pickup" during checkout on their website, opt for "I would like to pick up my items curbside" and enter your vehicle information. Once your order is ready, you'll get an email confirmation. Simply drive to your local Sears, park in a designated merchandise pickup spot, notify the store via the app, and within five minutes, an employee will bring your order to you. If it takes longer, you’ll receive a $5 coupon. Don’t forget to bring your photo ID and credit card for verification.
Target
When checking out on Target.com, select "Store Pickup" and you’ll get an email when your order is ready to be picked up. Go directly to the Guest Service desk and be ready to show a valid photo ID. According to Target, for same-day pickup, you must complete your online order by 5pm local time, or at least four hours before the store closes—whichever comes first. Only the person who placed the order can pick it up.
Walmart
When shopping on Walmart.com, choose "Store Pickup" and select your preferred pickup location. Once your purchase is complete, you'll receive an email confirming that your order is ready for collection. For most items, this typically happens within four hours, unless the order is placed after 6pm, in which case you'll receive confirmation the next morning. Walmart also mentions that you can opt to receive a text alert when your order is ready by providing your mobile number during checkout. If you need someone else to pick up your order, simply add their details at checkout. Be sure to have the email confirmation and a valid photo ID when you pick up your items.
Expect to see more retailers launch in-store pickup services to encourage online shoppers to visit their physical stores. Retailers benefit from the increased foot traffic and additional in-store purchases, while shoppers enjoy the convenience of picking up their items in person.
