Global parcel locker firm Quadient has announced a new contract with Punch Pubs, a pub and bar operator in the UK, which will see the roll out of its Parcel Pending open network lockers at 1,261 pub locations throughout the country, with initial installations due to begin in October.
According to Quadient, the new partnership will enhance the accessibility and convenience of parcel deliveries and returns for communities nationwide, and it supports the firm’s sustainable growth strategies.
The Punch Pubs partnership is a further step on Quadient’s journey to roll out 5,000 open locker locations across the UK. Other recent partnerships include Freedom Leisure, Homebase, Royal Mail, Stonegate Group, UPS and Motor Fuel Group (MFG).
Quadient already operates more than 1,000 units in the UK.
Selecting the right location
Quadient’s approach to selecting optimal locations for new lockers is based on detailed partner carrier data, to pinpoint areas with delivery bottlenecks and high population density.
Within Punch Pubs’ network mapping, Quadient has already identified 400 premium locations as a starting point, with initial installations planned as soon as October.
Punch Pubs, operating a tenanted and management partnership business, also benefits from Quadient’s support to provide publicans with clear information for a smooth and efficient adoption of the new smart lockers in their local pubs.
Creating community hubs
“We are thrilled to partner with Punch Pubs to extend our open locker network across the UK,” said Katia Bourgeais Crémel, EVP, Lockers Automation Platform Europe at Quadient. “This new collaboration will greatly contribute to our mission to provide community-driven, sustainable solutions that enhance daily life.
“Drawing on our extensive experience and proven technology, we are confident that this initiative will bring significant benefits to Punch Pubs' tenants and their customers, promoting community well-being and convenience,” Bourgeais added.
Stephen Radford, Head of Estates at Punch Pubs & Co, said: “At Punch, we pride ourselves on our commitment to making a positive difference to local communities. Our partnership with Quadient perfectly aligns with our strategy for sustainable growth and our role as a vital contributor to the local economy.
“With new services such as smart locker parcel collection and drop-off facilities, our publicans can better serve their guests in the community, enhancing their position as a central hub for social and economic activities, and reinforcing our pub’s position as a key player in the local economy,” he added.
Partnership benefits
By bringing more convenience to local communities, Punch Pubs publicans are likely to experience increased foot traffic and positive customer engagement, Quadient noted, while carriers benefit from streamlined operations, reducing congestion, delivery time and costs associated with last-mile deliveries and returns.
Designed to maximize space efficiency and receive deliveries from multiple carriers, each installation will hold an average of 50 compartments and will feature Quadient’s Drop Box to accept parcel returns from carriers including Evri and Royal Mail.
