Joining a growing trend, BJ’s Wholesale Club has introduced buy online, pickup in store at its 213 locations in 15 states, including the entire Eastern seaboard as well as Ohio and Pennsylvania.
According to a 2015 National Retail Federation report, 86% of online shoppers find free shipping important, while 66% want the option of picking up their purchase at a store. While retailers love the savings on shipping and how increased store traffic leads to incremental sales, inventory accuracy has to be high in order to avoid disappointing and losing customers.
“We are offering our members total freedom of choice regarding how they shop,” said Bari Harlam, executive vice president of marketing and membership for BJ’s Wholesale Club, in a release. ”Our new pick up and pay option is another benefit of a BJ’s membership. This new service combines the at-home convenience of online shopping, including guaranteed product availability and our affordable pricing, without the wait for shipping and delivery.”
To access the service, members sign into BJs.com, select their local club and reserve items. A BJ’s associate picks the items and brings them to the service desk. When the order is ready, BJ’s sends out a confirmation email. Orders placed before 1 p.m. can be picked up the same day.
Non-members sign up for a 90-day free trial of the in-store pickup service, or join as a member for $40 between now and July 3.