RETAIL giant Co-op has announced a major change set to affect 100 supermarket stores across the UK.
The discount chain is ramping up its partnership with InPost in a bid to launch parcel locker services at more than 2,400 branches.
InPost is a popular locker service that allows people to drop off and pick up parcels 24 hours a day.
The service is often used by Vinted users who wish to sell or buy second-hand clothes.
Customers are provided with a tracking number that they can scan using a keypad on the InPost locker screen.
The service can be compared to parcel services like Amazon lockers.
Co-op Shoppers will now be able to get food and grocery items delivered to InPost lockers instead of ordering them to their homes.
They can then go and collect their parcel from the lockers that will be located outside Co-op stores within three days of the delivery.
It is understood that the change will first affect 100 selected Co-op branches – 150 more stores will see the change by the end of this year.
The supermarket said the new collaboration with InPost will make parcel collections and return services “more convenient” for shoppers.
More than 50 per cent of consumers are now using delivery lockers for online purchases, a survey by the InPost staff reported.
Chris Conway, Co-op e-commerce director said: ” 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.”
Neil Kuschel, InPost UK CEO, added: “We are delighted to announce the acceleration of our partnership with the stalwart retailer, Co-op, enhancing our commitment to accessible parcel services.
“Last year alone, the number of parcels we handled doubled to 46.5 million, proving that UK consumers love the locker experience. In fact, 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.”
You can find InPost lockers outside train stations, inside shopping centres and outside other supermarkets.
If the parcel lockers are due to be trialled in your local store you can type in your store’s postcode on the InPost lockers to when they will be available to use.
In March, Aldi announced InPost trials as a new feature across 22 of its selected stores.
How do I use an InPost locker?
YOU should first check if your local store has InPost lockers located outside.
Use store finder tools on supermarkets’ websites, such as Aldi or Co-op, to find the correct postcode.
Type the postcode on the InPost website to find out if there are any lockers available near your store.
To send a parcel through InPost you’ll want to scan the QR code you have received and follow the instructions on the screen.
You won’t need a label as couriers will add one for you when they pick up your parcel.
To pick up your parcel you’ll need to scan you collection code you have received via email or text.
You’ll have three days to pick up your parcel once it’s delivered and you’ll get a reminder when there are 24 hours left to pick it up.
If the parcel isn’t collected in time it will get sent back to the seller.