Currently limited to the UK only, the deal will see Argos and Ebay offer a 'Click & Collect' service, allowing customers to buy goods from eBay merchants and collect the items at Argos stores. Around 50 eBay merchants and 150 stores will be participating in the trial.

Argos' John Walder says "with the continuing growth of online shopping, customers increasingly expect faster, cheaper and more convenient fulfilment of their orders. Having pioneered Click & Collect in the year 2000, it now accounts for around a third of our business and continues to grow. eBay... is already a strong partner with Argos and a logical partner for the trial".

The companies explain that customers want to "feel reassured that their transaction is secure and that their purchase will be delivered on time to a location convenient to them". Similar pick-up services for online goods have grown in popularity recently through the likes of Nightline's Parcel Motel service. 

Argos already have a presence on eBay through the Argos Outlet store.