CLICK and collect shopping could be banned in England if lockdown measures are extended to encourage Brits to stay at home.
Ministers are reported to be considering extending lockdown rules to stop all non-essential shops from offering the service, such as clothes and cafes.
Argos shoppers can still choose to click and collect orders during lockdown
Only supermarkets would be allowed to offer the service to reduced queues for groceries in stores.
Under the current lockdown rules in England, stores, cafes and pubs can continue to allow customers to pick up online orders from branches.
But officials are said to be concerned with the long queues of customers waiting to collect goods and fast food.
John Lewis has said it will temporarily suspend the service, although customers can still pick up goods ordered through the retailer from Waitrose stores.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s stopped customers from collecting orders in branches last week.
In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced a ban on click and collect services for non-essential retailers.
People who do use click and collect services from supermarkets, for example, will need to book ahead to prevent any crowding.
The First Minister also said Scots will only be allowed to pick up takeaway food and drink if they are collecting it through a serving hatch or doorstep.
While the rules have not changed yet in England, we take a look at the retailers who are continuing to offer click and collect services and how much they cost.
Which non-essential retailers are offering click and collect?
Argos
Standalone stores across England are closed during the third national lockdown but you can still click and collect.
Customers aren’t allowed to enter stores – staff will instead take your order number at the door and bring your item to you.
As shops are closed, you can’t go inside to make a purchase so you’ll need to make sure you’ve already placed an order before you arrive at the shop.
You must also wait for a text to tell you your item is ready for collection.
The retailer offers a free click and collect service, or you can pay £3.95 for home delivery.
You can also click and collect from Argos stores located in Sainsbury’s supermarkets.
Currys PC World
Currys PC World stores are shut for browsing but you can order online and pick up from your nearest store.
If you arrive by car, a Currys staff member will simply put the item in your boot.Alternatively, you can select the walk-up option instead.
Online shoppers can get both click and collect and standard delivery for free.
Curryc PC World is still offering the click and collect service
Disney
The Disney store offers a click and collect service if you’re keen to order something online for your young ones.
It’s cheaper than standard delivery, which will set you back £3.95.
Click and collect meanwhile costs £2.95.
John Lewis
John Lewis has temporarily suspended its click and collect service from its department stores.
Orders placed online after January 12 will only be available for home delivery.
Shoppers will still be able to order goods online to be collected from a designated Waitrose store.
It’s free as long as you spend more than £30. Orders that cost less are subject to a £2 fee.
Alternatively, its home delivery service is still running, which costs from £3.50 for orders below £50 or it’s free if you spend more.
Matalan stores are open for click and collect during England’s lockdown
Matalan
Matalan is still offering its free click and collect service during the national lockdown, apart from in Northern Ireland.
Alternatively, you can order for standard home delivery for £3.95.
Just keep in mind deliveries may take up to ten days, unless if it’s only sale items, which may delay the delivery for up to 21 days.
Next
Fashion and homeware store Next is continuing to offer click and collect at stores in England, Wales and Scotland.
Unfortunately, stores in Northern Ireland remain fully closed.
Click and collect is free and the retailers aims to process your order within an hour.
You’ll need to wait for the stores to send you a text to say your order is ready before heading out.
Smyths Toys
Click and collect is free at Smyths Toys, while standard shipping costs £4.99 for orders under £10 and £2.99 for orders between £10 and £19.
If you spend more than £19, you’ll get it delivered for free.
Sports Direct charges £4.99 for click and collect – the same as it does for home delivery
Sports Direct
Sports Direct is continuing to offer click and collect during lockdown but it charges a hefty £4.99.
The retailer charges the same for standard delivery to your doorstep, which may be a preferable option for those who can wait for their order.
TK Maxx
TK Maxx is temporarily suspending its click and collect service.
If you’ve ordered items through the click and collect service, your local store will keep hold of the order for up to 30 days after the store has re-opened.
Alternatively, you can request a refund here.
Meanwhile, standard home delivery sets you back £3.99 for any orders below £75. If you spend more, it’s free.