The program is expected to increase store visits, as it has for other retailers, usually leading to more sales. Best Buy, for example, offers both store pickup and ship-to-store, in which items are sent directly to a customer's local store for pickup.
The "Pick Up Today" program isn't revolutionary. Sears, L.L. Bean and several other major merchants already have similar offerings. But Walmart is by far the largest merchant to make the move, setting the bar for its competitors.
Here are the details for five merchants that offer similar programs.
1. Walmart
Walmart offers tens of thousands of products online that are eligible for "Site to Store" in the contiguous United States, including furniture, electronics, tires, baby gear and exercise equipment. Many of the items are not regularly available in Walmart stores. Orders typically take 1 to 2 days to process and usually arrive at the store 7 to 10 business days later.
2. L.L. Bean
Most in-stock items can be shipped free to the L.L. Bean store near you within about seven days. Back-ordered items and some products that require special handling (such as furniture, boats, bikes and gift cards) cannot be shipped to a store. The merchant doesn't offering shipping to L.L. Bean Outlets.
3. REI
Shipping time for the free "REI Store Pickup" varies, based on the location of the store you select; however, it does offer limited tracking of orders. Your item is not eligible for the store pickup program if the option doesn't appear in your shopping cart at checkout.
4. Best Buy
Some items are eligible for immediate pickup, while others may be available for free ship-to-shore. Consumers will be notified of the pickup date during checkout. Best Buy also offers a "Friends and Family Pickup" that allows you to place an order and have someone else pick it up.
If your product is available in-store at a lower price when you pick the item up, your payment will automatically be adjusted to reflect the lowest available price.
5. Cabela's
The sports giant offers free shipping with in-store pickup of almost any product. In-stock items may take 5 to 8 business days for delivery. Ineligible products include items shipped directly from the manufacturer, hazardous products and purchases made with gift certificates and gift cards.
