Retail chain Clicks will soon allow online shoppers to collect and return purchases at its stores throughout the country.

The retailer has reached an agreement with click-and-collect specialist Pargo that will allow shoppers at online retailers such as Spree, Bidorbuy and OneDayOnly collect their parcels from 500 Clicks stores.

The partnership allows Pargo to grow their network of pick-up points to over a thousand stores.

Pargo’s alternative delivery service was launched early 2015 by Lars Veul and Derk Hoekert in response to growing South African online commerce.

“Delivery is recognised worldwide as the key friction point in e-commerce and a major deterrent to the growth of the Internet-based economy,” said Veul in a statement.

“This is especially true in the South African environment where local online shoppers are often forced to make a difficult decision between the deteriorating postal service and pricey couriers.”