Christmas shoppers were sent into a panic over the weekend when ‘non-essential’ retailers including clothes shops and department stores were closed as part of tougher Tier 4 restrictions introduced for London and swathes of the South East.   

The sudden move to shutter stores less than a week before Christmas means some shoppers are scrambling to pick up last-minute gifts in time for the big day.

Yesterday crowds flocked from Tier 3 and Tier 4 areas to nearby towns under Tier 2 restrictions in the hope of finishing off their shopping. Others are battling for online delivery slots, with Royal Mail and courier services inundated by orders.   

Fortunately there is a way to escape the madness. Big name retailers including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Argos are continuing to operate their click-and-collect services at branches under Tier 4 restrictions, allowing shoppers to shop online and pick up items in person.  

But beware: some have set Christmas order deadlines as early as tomorrow and need at least a day to get products to your local collection point. Here, FEMAIL reveals the deadlines and details you need to know.  

ARGOS   

Christmas Eve orders: Last-minute shoppers can pick up a present on Christmas Eve at Argos

AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION: Immediately*

CHRISTMAS ORDER DEADLINE: 24 December* 

Argos stores in Tier 4 regions are open for the collection of pre-paid Slot Online orders only.

Collections will be given to customers outside the door and they will not be able to purchase items in any store. Some products can be collected immediately in store but this depends on local availability and stock. Items can only be returned to an Argos store within a Sainsbury’s supermarket. 

*Depending on stock in local stores 

<div class="art-ins mol-factbox floatRHS femail" data-version="2" id="mol-5399d5a0-4399-11eb-a91a-a1d614f04025" website you can STILL do Christmas shopping in London