Apple launches in-store pickup of online orders

Computerworld - Apple today kicked off in-store pickup of orders placed at its online store, letting customers retrieve their goods at a trio of stores in San Francisco.

According to 9to5Mac.com, Apple will soon extend pickup to stores across the U.S.

Apple's online store confirmed that report with a message that read, "Select a store in San Francisco. Coming soon to a U.S. store near you."

Three stores in San Francisco now offer pickup: Those on Stockton St., Chestnut St. and 20th Ave.

Products that show "Available now" at the conclusion of the order can be picked up within the hour, Apple said. Customers can also designate someone other than themselves to retrieve an order.

iTunes gift cards are not eligible for in-store pickup.

The new program extends Apple's limited store-online connections; Apple at times has let buyers reserve an item online -- most recently the iPhone 4S -- for pickup at a local retail store.

Apple debuted in-store pickup of online orders at three San Francisco stores.

Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at @gkeizer and on Google+, or subscribe to Gregg's RSS feed . His email address is gkeizer@computerworld.com.

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