What is Buy Online, Pickup In Store (BOPIS)

BOPIS (short for Buy Online, Pick Up In Store) is exactly what it sounds like: customers place an order online, then swing by a physical store to pick it up.

A brief history

BOPIS started catching on in the early 2010s as retailers looked for ways to connect their websites with their stores. It was originally just a convenience feature, but it really caught on during the COVID-19 pandemic when consumers were looking for safe, contactless ways to shop, and it’s still a popular option today.

Good to know

BOPIS isn’t just a handy option for customers; it’s a smart move for retailers, too. It brings people into stores, saves money on shipping, and makes better use of in-store inventory. But, to pull it off, retailers need accurate stock inventory and systems that talk to each other.

Know more

Frequently Asked Questions

How is BOPIS different from standard online shopping?
In BOPIS, customers collect their orders in-store, whilst in standard online shopping, their order is shipped. Depending on how close they are to the store, that can be faster (and cheaper).
What are the benefits of BOPIS for retailers?
For retailers, BOPIS cuts down on last-mile delivery costs (the cost of getting the delivery from the distribution center to the customer's house, which is often the most expensive part of the process). It also gives retailers more opportunities to upsell products in-store.
Do you need special tech to offer BOPIS?
Yep. You’ll need systems that keep your online store, inventory, and order tracking all in sync.
Is BOPIS only for large retailers?
No, many mid-size and even small retailers offer BOPIS. It became especially popular among smaller retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they wanted to offer their customers a safe way to keep buying from them.
Can customers return BOPIS orders in-store?
Usually, yes. It’s often quicker and easier than mailing something back.