More and more high street stores could start offering customers the opportunity to place orders online and then pick up their items in-store on the same day. This comes after the government changed regulations governing click and collect services, according to Mail Online.

Although consumers may not have realised this, it was previously necessary for retailers to apply for planning permission to offer click and collect to customers, which meant that, for many smaller firms, it was simply too expensive and time-consuming to arrange.

After April 15th, when the planning permission requirements for click and collect are ditched, retailers will be able to set up this type of service without having to fill out extensive forms or pay the £195 fee, that comes as part of every application.

Dropping the barrier to entry for the click and collect market could mean that more small retail chains and independent outlets could start encouraging customers to carry out safe shopping online, while still being able to guarantee a good level of footfall at bricks and mortar stores.

Many industry experts are concerned about the impact that e-commerce is having on British high streets, but click and collect could be the perfect way to make sure that real world outlets still have their place in the retail sector.

Click and collect is also advantageous for consumers, because it means that they can effectively reserve products and be certain of their availability before they visit the store. This allows for same day collection, rather than forcing people to wait at least 24 hours before their item is delivered.

Marrying online shopping with the high street experience should, ultimately, be good for everyone, keeping town centres across the country alive, while fuelling consumers' love of e-commerce.