Co-op’s partnership with InPost is speeding up this year, bumping up the number of parcels locker at its stores in the UK.
By the end of 2024, over 150 Co-op stores will have InPost Lockers, offering parcel collection and return services. These lockers provide a convenient alternative to home deliveries. With more than half of UK consumers now using delivery lockers, the expanded partnership with InPost will make it easier for local communities to manage their parcels.
Who is Co-op?
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, with interests in food, funerals, insurance, and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, it operates nearly 2,400 food stores and over 800 funeral homes.
The business supplies products to over 6,000 other stores, including independent co-operatives, through Nisa Retail Limited.
Chris Conway, Co-op e-commerce director says the company’s focus is to make things easier and more convenient for its member-owners and customers. “InPost Lockers can help residents and time-pressed shoppers in our communities pick up or return parcels at a time that is convenient to them, on their way to or from work or when they pop out to pick up their groceries, quickly, easily and conveniently,” says Conway.
What are the benefits of parcel lockers?
- Cost efficiency: Operating parcel lockers can be more cost-effective than home delivery. They reduce the need for multiple delivery attempts if recipients are not home, saving fuel and labor costs.
- 24/7 accessibility: Parcel lockers provide customers with the flexibility to pick up their packages at any time, which is more convenient for the customer and reduces the logistical burden on delivery services during peak hours.
- Reduced last-mile delivery challenges: The last mile of delivery is the most expensive and complex logistics chain. Parcel lockers help minimize these issues by centralizing deliveries to convenient locations.
Enhancing customer convenience
Parcel locker use is gaining momentum as a fast, convenient way to send and receive parcels. InPost has been on a mission with its locker network. In March, the company went into collaboration with supermarket chain Aldi, to trial parcel lockers outside selected stores in the UK. Now, InPost turns parcel lockers up a gear with Co-Op.
Neil Kuschel, InPost UK CEO, says: “By expanding our network to over 150 Co-op stores during 2024, we’re not just offering convenience but also redefining accessibility. Last year alone, the number of parcels we handled doubled to 46.5million[ii] proving that UK consumers love the locker experience.”
Kuschel adds that over half of UK shoppers have used parcel lockers and 62% of the population in London, Birmingham and Manchester live just a seven-minute walk from an InPost Locker.
“This trend continues to gain momentum and our mission through our partnership with Co-op is to continue driving this growth and make locker delivery the ‘go to’ choice for the UK consumer,” says Kuschel.
ALSO READ: Delivery innovation: Parcel lockers at UK pubs
Photo Credit: Co-Op
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
