Co-op teams up with Royal Mail to launch parcel lockers

Co-op has teamed up with Royal Mail to roll out parcel lockers across 100 of the convenience retailer’s sites this summer.

The move will take the total number of parcel lockers at Co-op stores to over 900, building on its existing partnerships with postal operators InPost, Amazon, Quadient and Yeep.

The new lockers will allow shoppers to drop off pre-labelled Royal Mail parcels and returns any time of the day, with collection also to be made available at the lockers soon.

The units also provide label printing, meaning customers can pay for postage online and print the label by scanning a QR code at the locker.

The move comes after Royal Mail launched its own parcel locker network in December to meet growing demand for convenient parcel drop-off and collection options from online shoppers and growing numbers of people selling on secondhand marketplaces.

Co-op head of online development George Hayworth said: “We are delighted to partner with Royal Mail, enabling Co-op to further expand its network of safe, secure and convenient parcel lockers.

“Co-op is focussed on developing added services and enhanced convenience – we aim to have the best small shops, and work to ensure our stores are a convenient destination for a range of services that meet local needs.

He added: “Including growing our network of lockers to help residents, commuters and time-pressed consumers pick up or return parcels at a time that suits them, quickly, easily and conveniently.”

In April, Sainsbury’s was the first major supermarket to partner with Royal Mail to install parcel lockers at its stores across the UK.

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