Quadient has secured contracts to install parcel lockers at British petrol stations and in French shopping centres to extend its network in key European markets as demand for out-of-home deliveries grows strongly.
In the UK, where the company aims to develop a network of up to 5,000 carrier-neutral lockers in the next few years, it has reached a deal with Motor Fuel Group (MFG), a leading independent petrol station forecourt operator, to start hosting a number of Parcel Pending by Quadient Open Network Lockers in the coming weeks.
Quadient said it is rapidly establishing strategic partnerships to secure premium locations to accelerate its open locker network expansion across the UK. The network provides the entire e-commerce supply chain with unparalleled cost, convenience and flexibility benefits. With major carriers already on board—including DPD UK, Evri, and DHL—Quadient is rapidly growing its presence in easily accessible and high-traffic areas, such as MFG’s network, to provide reliable and sustainable parcel delivery for UK consumers.
Driving up customer numbers
“At MFG, we carefully select our partners and brands to offer a unique and convenient experience to our customers,” said Anna Roddis, Trading Director, MFG. “These smart lockers enhance our service offering, driving more customers to our forecourts and strengthening our position as a top destination for all fuel, EV charging, food and service needs for the communities we operate in.
“By implementing a secure and convenient parcel delivery and pickup service, we want to provide customers with a seamless and hassle-free experience, so stopping by our sites is not only something they plan to do in a journey, but also something they look forward to.”
Simplifying logistics
“The collaboration with MFG is the next step forward in the expansion of our open parcel locker network in the UK, offering a win-win-win scenario for MFG, consumers and the entire parcel supply chain,” said Katia Bourgeais-Crémel, EVP Parcel Locker Solutions Europe, Quadient. “By placing our lockers in easily accessible sites that are open at extended hours, such as the MFG forecourts, we are simplifying logistics, reducing environmental impact and enhancing the overall customer experience, contributing to a sustainable future for online sales and parcel deliveries.”
Lockers in shopping centres
In France, Galimmo, a real estate company that owns and operates the shopping centers adjacent to Cora hypermarkets, will soon be offering Parcel Pending by Quadient smart parcel delivery within its French network.
Galimmo is extending the range of services in its shopping centers, local shopping and living spaces with a large food-based anchor, high footfall and easy access. Parcel Pending by Quadient pickup and drop-off points will be accessible over the centers’ extended opening hours, offering convenience and time savings to visitors who want to collect their online purchases at places integral to their daily lives.
Quadient and Galimmo plan to install 30 units by the end of 2023, and more than 50 over time, further expanding Quadient’s network currently being deployed in France. By developing an open network, Quadient's ambition is to streamline the entire parcel delivery chain, from the first to the last mile, in a cost-effective, sustainable way that focuses on the consumer experience.
Omnichannel shopping
"We're delighted that Galimmo, a key player within its territories, is embracing our vision for the future of delivery in France. By rolling-out our open and shared infrastructure in their shopping malls, we are strengthening our presence in locations with high customer footfall, while contributing to their attractiveness,” said Geoffrey Godet, CEO at Quadient. "Through this collaboration, Galimmo and Quadient will promote more omnichannel shopping experiences and accelerate synergies between online and in-store shopping journeys."
"We are extremely pleased to embark on this partnership. The installation of Quadient's parcel lockers is fully in line with our aim to offer as many services as possible in our shopping centers, making life easier for our customers and providing them with ever greater convenience. It is also a perfect fit with our responsible approach. Each of these one-stop delivery points is readily accessible to our visitor flows and shared among multiple carriers, improving the efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of managing parcel deliveries and returns at our centers", said Eric Ravoire, CEO of Galimmo.
The deal follows a recent agreement with supermarket group Auchan to install 400 lockers, thus extending its network of 1,000 sites and close partnerships with Relais Colis and UPS in France.