Confusion surrounding some cut-off dates for click-and-collect services ahead of Christmas has prompted retailers to clarify their positions.

Earlier today, The Telegraph reported that the John Lewis Partnership was stopping the click and collect service offered in its John Lewis and Waitrose stores on December 22, in order to make sure they can fulfil all orders in time and to prevent in-store chaos in the lead-up to Christmas.

However, a spokesperson from John Lewis Partnership has denied this.

“Following earlier media reports we would like to clarify that John Lewis has categorically not brought forward its Click and Collect cut off date,” she said.

“This morning we are pleased to confirm that we will extend the ordering cut off date to 8pm on 23rd December for pre-Christmas collection in all John Lewis shops. 

“The cut off date for ordering to collect at Waitrose shops remains the 22nd December, in line with previous years.”

Meanwhile, all of Sainsbury‘s click-and-collect slots on December 23 are gone and almost all home delivery slots have been taken.

With many retailers being caught off guard by the surge in demand for click-and-collect this Christmas, experts are predicting chaos in the coming days as stores with long queues expected in stores.

The Telegraph also reported that the busiest retailers may also be faced with a choice between cancelling click-and-collect services at the last minute or making customers wait until after Christmas for orders.

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