Click and collect offer at independent shops

Shops in Newport have joined forces to offer shoppers the chance to order online before collecting their goods.

Large supermarkets have started bring in the service in recent years as part of their move to online trading.

They have set up collect points in their car parks, allowing customers to order groceries before collecting them bagged up and ready to place in their car boot.

Now businesses in Newport want to replicate the service to boost trade and make it easier for shoppers to spend their money with them.

All About Newport, a company which aims to promote the town as a shopping destination, is helping to give businesses the option of introducing an internet ordering service.

Shoppers are able to order and pay for goods online from independent shops along Newport's High Street and then collect them at a time to suit.

Four businesses – The Cook Shop, Cups and Wands, Daisy Chain and The Cake Academy - have already signed up and have entered the world of e-commerce.

Karen Woodcock, one of the directors at All About Newport, said the service would provide a significant boost to the town centre.

She said: "Customers buy something online and, rather than waiting for the postman to ring the doorbell three days or more later, or having to re-arrange their day to wait in or sign for delivery, they can go to the shop and collect it themselves when convenient, which is also very useful in bad weather."

She added: "Most of the major brands now offer a click and collect service including Tesco, Asda, John Lewis, Argos, and Next.

"If all these major brands are saying click and collect is a success, why can't the independent High Street shops have a slice of the action and compete on a level playing field?

"All about Newport is offering shop owners, home workers and market traders the chance to have their own online shop.

"We've already got some businesses signed up and trading online and many others have expressed an interest.

"The idea is to get Newport High Street into the 21st century and to get more people supporting local businesses."

In December last year at least 225,000 parcels each day failed to arrive when promised.

And a report by Which? found that 60 per cent of people shopping online last year had problems with delivery.

All About Newport charges businesses £50 as an initial set-up cost and £50 annually.

The firm also takes 10 per cent of any products sold.