The Home Depot Inc. this week became the latest retail chain to enable online shoppers to buy items via its e-commerce site and then pick up those purchases inside stores. Home Depot is No. 43 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide.

Consumers who make purchases via homedepot.com or the retailer’s iPhone app can pick up those items in most of the chain’s stores; a Home Depot spokeswoman says nearly all stores will have the service by Tuesday. “This feature not only saves shipping charges but also helps expedite any time-sensitive projects,” the retailer says.

After placing an order, a consumer selects the Pick Up at Store option on the checkout page, and then chooses a preferred store location.  The consumer then receives an e-mail confirmation that he must take to the special service desk at the selected store (contractors go the pro desk).

Home Depot says it will have most orders available for in-store pickup within two hours of purchase. Consumers can return items at the same store.

In June, Walgreen Co., No. 73 in the Top 500 Guide, launched a similar in-store pick up program for shoppers in the Chicago and San Jose, CA areas. Wal-Mart enhanced its “sitetostore” program earlier this year, offering same-day pickup nationally, matching similar offers from chains like Sears and Best Buy. Walmart.com is No. 6 in the Top 500 Guide, Sears No. 7 and Best Buy No. 11.