Co-op will make major change to 100 supermarket stores this year

Co-op is rolling out its parcel locker initiative to 100 more stores with over 150 set to have them by the end of the year.

The supermarket chain announced today that it was accelerating its partnership with InPost which will see more parcel lockers launched at Co-op's 2,400 food stores. The parcel lockers are located outside Co-op stores and allow people to order deliveries to them instead of to their homes. Brits can then collect their parcel from a locker within three days using a specific code sent to them by InPost.

The supermarket said the move aimed to bring convenient parcel collection and return services to more communities across the UK as locker use grows in popularity. According to research by InPost and Retail Economics, more than half of consumers are now using delivery lockers for online purchases, as they seek alternatives to home deliveries.

More Co-op stores will have parcel lockers

Chris Conway, Co-op e-commerce director said: "With our stores located conveniently in high streets, transport hubs, university campuses and residential developments, 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.”

InPost UK CEO Neil Kuschel added: “We are delighted to announce the acceleration of our partnership with 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. 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.”

In March this year, the provider also secured a deal with Aldi to begin trialling parcel lockers outside a selection of its UK stores. This trial was to last for 12 weeks and if successful, further parcel lockers would be rolled out across the country.