200 new Click & Collect points will be opened at Sainsburys network of UK stores by the end of this year.

Additionally, as a result of the acquisition of the Home Retail Group by the grocers, customers will be able to collect online purchases from Argos at 30 of the 200 Sainsburys stores. This is likely to increase in the near future as the two organisations go through their merger.

Because of Argos exclusive relationship with eBay, eBay buyers will now be able to collect their online purchases from all of the 200 Sainsburys Click & Collect outlets too. In addition they will also be able to pick up their DPD parcels.

“It’s an exciting time in retail,” according to John Rogers, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s Argos. “As customer shopping habits change, people increasingly want flexibility, speed and choice both online and in-store. We are pleased to be bringing Argos’s products and services to Sainsbury’s customers via the new digital collection points, which are a demonstration of both businesses working closely together to bring benefits to customers at pace.”

eBay has shown a lot of pleasure in being able to add the 200 Click & Collect points to the network of places buyers can collect their goods as well.

Tanya Lawler, UK Vice President, eBay, said: “Building upon our exclusive Click and Collect partnership with Argos, by establishing 200 further collection points in Sainsbury’s stores, means even greater choice and convenience for shoppers.”

In going forward with the acquisition of the Home Retail Group, Sainsburys emphasised the synergies of combining the two organisations. These announcements are just the first stage in bringing their beliefs into reality.

Turning a Sainsbury’s store into a place where customers can do their weekly shop, collect their Argos and eBay purchases and also pick up their DPD parcels will – the grocer is gambling – help to keep bricks and mortar superstores relevant in the digital age.