Implement BOPIS Successfully: Drive In‑Store Traffic and Sales

TL;DR

Buy‑Online‑Pick‑Up‑In‑Store (BOPIS) can increase foot traffic by 12% and basket size by 20% when backed by real‑time inventory, automated pick lists, and dedicated curbside lanes. This article shows how to design, staff, and technology‑enable a BOPIS program that drives repeat visits, reduces last‑mile costs, and improves brand perception.

Key Takeaways

• 12% lift in in‑store traffic within six months for retailers that roll out BOPIS (McKinsey & Company, 2024).
• Real‑time inventory cuts out‑of‑stock incidents by 25% (IDC, 2025).
• Automation reduces pick‑list errors and speeds curbside fulfillment by 15% (Gartner, 2024).
• Integrate with our Retail Ops Sprint to align store and e‑commerce workflows.
• Prioritize same‑day availability; 54% of shoppers abandon a purchase without it (Forrester Research, 2025).

What does the data say about BOPIS’s impact on foot traffic?

A McKinsey study shows retailers that implemented BOPIS saw an average 12% increase in in‑store traffic within the first six months (McKinsey & Company, 2024). More visitors mean more cross‑sell opportunities and stronger brand loyalty.

1. Map the customer journey from click to curbside

• Identify every touchpoint: product page, cart, checkout, order‑ready notification, and pickup.
• Use a single source of truth for inventory to avoid “out‑of‑stock” surprises.
• Align POS and mobile pick‑list apps so associates see the same order details.

2. Choose the right fulfillment model

• Store‑fulfillment for fast‑moving SKUs.
• Ship‑to‑store for larger items that need staging.
• Hybrid models let you balance labor and space constraints.

3. Set realistic service level agreements (SLAs)

• Aim for same‑day availability for 70% of orders; this meets the expectations of 68% of consumers who plan to use BOPIS at least once a month (eMarketer, 2025).
• Communicate cut‑off times clearly on the checkout page.

How can real‑time inventory visibility boost BOPIS performance?

IDC reports that retailers integrating BOPIS with inventory‑visibility technology reduced out‑of‑stock incidents by 25% (IDC, 2025). Accurate stock data builds shopper confidence and prevents costly cancellations.

1. Deploy AI‑driven inventory layers

• Connect POS, WMS, and e‑commerce platforms through an Integration Foundation Sprint (Integration Foundation Sprint).
• Use sensors or shelf‑scan robots for instant updates (How to Leverage AI‑Driven Shelf Scanning Robots, 2024).

2. Enable “available for pickup” flags

• Only display items with confirmed in‑store stock.
• Auto‑reserve inventory when the shopper clicks “Buy Online, Pick Up In‑Store”.

3. Monitor inventory health dashboards

• Track sell‑through, shrinkage, and replenishment cycles.
• Alert buyers when safety stock falls below thresholds.

Why should retailers invest in dedicated curbside lanes?

Gartner found that stores with dedicated BOPIS curbside lanes experience 15% faster order fulfillment than those without (Gartner, 2024). Faster service translates into higher shopper satisfaction and repeat visits.

1. Design the lane for speed

• Position the lane near the entrance and staff it with a single associate holding a handheld scanner.
• Use clear signage and digital “order ready” displays.

2. Automate the handover process

• Scan the QR code on the customer’s mobile receipt to pull the order details instantly.
• Print a receipt for the associate to confirm the handoff.

3. Track lane performance

• Measure average fulfillment time, error rate, and lane utilization.
• Adjust staffing based on peak pickup windows.

How does BOPIS affect average basket size and store sales?

IBM research shows BOPIS orders generate a 20% higher average basket size than standard online orders (IBM Institute for Business Value, 2025). The physical store visit creates natural upsell moments.

1. Train associates to suggest add‑ons

• Highlight related items while the customer waits.
• Use mobile prompts that show “Customers also bought” based on the order SKU.

2. Create impulse zones near the pickup area

• Place high‑margin accessories, snacks, and seasonal items within easy reach.
• Rotate products frequently to keep the area fresh.

3. Leverage data for targeted promotions

• Send a “thanks for picking up” email with a coupon for a complementary product.
• Track redemption rates to refine offers.

What are the cost‑saving benefits of BOPIS for last‑mile delivery?

Capgemini reports that 48% of retailers reduced last‑mile delivery costs by 30% or more after launching BOPIS (Capgemini Research Institute, 2024). Shifting orders to stores cuts carrier fees and improves delivery windows.

1. Reallocate carrier capacity

• Use existing carrier contracts for larger, non‑BOPIS shipments.
• Offer free curbside pickup as a value‑added service.

2. Reduce packaging waste

• Consolidate multiple BOPIS orders for the same store into a single outbound pallet.
• Use reusable tote systems for internal handling.

3. Quantify savings in your ROI model

• Compare carrier spend before and after BOPIS launch.
• Include labor savings from reduced door‑to‑door handling.

How can automation eliminate manual pick‑list errors?

Many competitors still rely on manual pick‑list generation, leading to slower fulfillment and higher error rates. Our AI‑driven BOPIS orchestration platform creates accurate, prioritized pick lists in seconds.

1. Deploy an automated pick‑list engine

• Integrate with the WMS to pull real‑time location data.
• Prioritize items based on aisle proximity to reduce travel time.

2. Use handheld scanners for verification

• Associate scans each item; the system confirms SKU and quantity.
• Mismatches trigger instant alerts, preventing incorrect shipments.

3. Measure error reduction

• Track pick‑list accuracy before and after automation.
• Aim for a <1% error rate, a benchmark achieved by top‑performing retailers.

Which staffing model works best for high‑volume BOPIS?

A Deloitte survey identified “lack of real‑time inventory data” as the top obstacle for scaling BOPIS, cited by 39% of retailers (Deloitte Retail Survey, 2025). Staff training on inventory tools is essential.

1. Cross‑train floor associates

• Teach cashiers to handle curbside pickups during slow periods.
• Rotate staff to keep skills fresh and avoid burnout.

2. Add a dedicated BOPIS coordinator for peak times

• One person oversees lane flow, resolves exceptions, and communicates with the fulfillment team.
• Schedule coordinators based on historical pickup spikes.

3. Leverage mobile task‑management apps

• Push pick‑list alerts to associate tablets.
• Track task completion in real time.

What role does brand perception play in BOPIS success?

Salesforce research shows 82% of BOPIS customers say the pickup experience positively impacts their perception of the brand (Salesforce Retail Research, 2024). A smooth handoff can turn a transaction into advocacy.

1. Personalize the handoff

• Greet customers by name and thank them for the purchase.
• Offer a QR‑code link to a post‑pickup survey.

2. Keep the pickup area tidy and branded

• Use signage that matches the online experience.
• Display the brand’s sustainability story if you use reusable packaging.

3. Capture and act on feedback

• Analyze NPS scores from pickup surveys.
• Implement quick wins like adding a beverage station or faster signage.

How can retailers measure the true ROI of BOPIS?

A Harvard Business Review analysis found that 61% of BOPIS shoppers purchase additional items while picking up their order, driving a 5‑8% lift in store sales (Harvard Business Review, 2024). Tracking these incremental sales is key to proving value.

1. Link POS transactions to pickup orders

• Tag each sale with the original BOPIS order ID.
• Use data warehouses to join online and in‑store datasets.

2. Calculate incremental revenue

• Subtract baseline in‑store sales from sales on pickup days.
• Include cross‑sell uplift and reduced delivery costs.

3. Report on key metrics quarterly

• Traffic lift, basket size, fulfillment time, and cost savings.
• Share results with senior leadership to secure continued investment.

What are the common pitfalls and how to avoid them?

A common failure point is siloed systems that produce inaccurate stock counts. This leads to 54% of shoppers abandoning a purchase when same‑day BOPIS cannot be guaranteed (Forrester Research, 2025). Below are three pitfalls and fixes.

[Table: | Pitfall | Impact | Fix | |---------|--------|-----| | Manual inventory updates | Stockouts, lost s...]

How can you start today with TkTurners’ solutions?

1. Assess readiness – Run a gap analysis using our Retail Ops Sprint to map current processes.
2. Pilot a single store – Deploy automated pick‑lists, real‑time inventory, and a curbside lane.
3. Scale with data – Use dashboards to monitor traffic, basket size, and cost savings; iterate before a chain‑wide rollout.
4. Leverage case studies – Review the results of our BOPIS automation project in the Dojo Plus case study for real‑world benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How fast can we expect orders to be ready for pickup? A: Stores with dedicated curbside lanes achieve a 15% faster fulfillment time than those without (Gartner, 2024). Aim for a 10‑minute window from order receipt to handoff.

Q: Will BOPIS increase our staffing costs? A: Not necessarily. Automation reduces manual pick‑list work, and cross‑training lets existing cashiers handle pickups during slow periods, keeping labor spend stable while traffic rises.

Q: What inventory accuracy do we need to meet shopper expectations? A: Real‑time visibility must be at least 95% accurate; otherwise, you risk the 54% abandonment rate when same‑day availability cannot be guaranteed (Forrester, 2025).

Q: How does BOPIS affect our last‑mile delivery budget? A: Capgemini found that 48% of retailers cut last‑mile costs by 30% or more after shifting orders to store pickup (Capgemini, 2024). Savings come from fewer carrier trips and consolidated packaging.

Q: Can BOPIS help us attract Gen Z shoppers? A: Yes. 71% of Gen Z prefer retailers that offer BOPIS over those that do not (Kantar, 2024). A smooth, tech‑forward pickup experience resonates with this demographic.

Conclusion

Implementing BOPIS is more than adding a “pick‑up” button. It requires real‑time inventory, automated fulfillment, dedicated curbside lanes, and well‑trained staff. When executed correctly, retailers see a 12% traffic boost, 20% larger baskets, and significant cost savings. Start with a pilot, use data to refine, and scale with TkTurners’ automation expertise. Ready to turn BOPIS into a growth engine? Contact us today and let our team design a solution that fits your store footprint and digital strategy.

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