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

Co-op is expanding its parcel locker initiative by introducing it to an additional 100 stores, taking the total to over 150 stores expected to have the service in place by the end of the year.

The move comes as part of the supermarket chain's growing partnership with InPost, resulting in more parcel lockers at Co-op's extensive network of 2,400 food stores. Positioned exterior to Co-op outlets, these lockers provide consumers the flexibility to get their orders delivered there, as opposed to their homes.

Once a package is placed into the locker, customers receive a unique code from InPost and are allowed up to three days to collect their items. Co-op says that this move primarily aims to increase convenient parcel collection and return options for communities all across the UK, as locker services witness a rise in usage, reports the Mirror.

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A joint study conducted by InPost and Retail Economics reveals that delivery lockers are being utilised by over half the consumer population for their online purchases, positioning them as a sought-after home delivery alternative. Chris Conway, Co-ops 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's CEO, Neil Kuschel, said of the expansion: "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."

Earlier in March, InPost struck a deal with Aldi to start a trial of parcel lockers at select UK store locations. The initial trial period was set for 12 weeks, with plans to extend the rollout of parcel lockers nationwide if the trial proves successful.