eBay shoppers to 'click and collect' at Argos stores by Christmas

At least 50 eBay merchants and around 150 Argos stores will take part in the service, which is expected to last around six months and be up and running by Christmas (see our eBay guide and our Local eBay Deals Mapper tool for tips on getting the best deals).

According to a survey, 40% of UK shoppers used click-and-collect services as part of their Christmas shopping last year.

eBay is also planning to introduce one-hour deliveries to London in early 2014. The service, eBay Now, has already been successfully tested in major US cities.

Argos managing director John Walden says: "With the continuing growth of online shopping, customers increasingly expect faster, cheaper and more convenient fulfilment of their orders."

Additional reporting by Tim Heap.