Hermes has become the first carrier in the UK to provide home, shop and locker delivery options for sending, collecting and returning parcels through a partnership agreement with InPost.
The B2C specialist will initially add around 500 automated parcel lockers to its retail network, bringing the total number of ParcelShop locations to about 5,500. The InPost lockers are accessible 24/7 and are located in a variety of convenient locations including supermarkets, train stations and petrol forecourts.
Hermes UK said the “unique move” is designed to further improve its customer proposition and will be offered to retail customers who are integrated with Hermes at no additional cost. It will also support the growing Hermes Send C2C business, providing users with more choice and drop-off times.
Martijn de Lange, CEO at Hermes UK, said: “We know that for many busy people, lockers are an extremely convenient and attractive option and we’re proud that this initiative makes us the first company to offer a full suite of options. As part of our commitment to be the carrier of choice for every end consumer we are adding increased flexibility and choice for both consumers and retailers.”
Olivier Binet, MD at InPost UK, said: “Almost half of shoppers abandon baskets online due to shipping concerns but for many time-poor customers, InPost’s parcel lockers offer the best combination of speed and flexibility. We’re therefore delighted to partner with Hermes to support retailers in serving their customers and to bring quick and easy, ‘round the clock parcel collections to the consumer.
Overall, InPost has a national network of nearly 1,200 fully automated parcel lockers in the UK, which are located in a variety of “safe and secure” locations including Morrisons supermarkets, Esso petrol stations and Transport for London sites, as well as outside retailers such as Toys R Us.
The company works with a wide variety of partners, including well-known retailers such as ASOS, Boohoo, Holland & Barrett and LG, and couriers such as DHL, DX and APC Overnight, according to information on its website.
