Apple has added an option to its online store that allows shoppers to order and pay for an item online and pick it up in one of its retail locations, 9to5Mac reported.
Shoppers can order Apple products as well as items from third-party retailers and have them shipped to their local Apple Store. Many standard configuration items and accessories are available for same-day pickup. For other products that require customization or engraving, the wait is longer.
But the ship to store program is not available in many places yet. According to 9to5Mac, the feature first went live in the San Francisco area. It will be added to other regions throughout the U.S. over the next few months leading up to the holidays, 9to5Mac said.
A check on the Apple site shows that the feature is available in three San Francisco stores, and a note says it’s “coming soon” to other U.S. locations.
Apple offers free shipping on items that cost more than $50, but this program could offer an incentive for people to order smaller items like covers and cases online so they don’t have to pay that extra cost.
The company already has some integration with its online stores and its brick-and-mortar stores. For example, it’s possible to reserve an item in-stock at an Apple Store and pick it up there. In fact, if you want to buy an iPhone 4S in an Apple Store, Apple requires you to reserve it online first.
Letting people pay for their purchase before they set foot in the store could be a benefit to Apple and customers alike as the holidays near and stores are swarmed.