Royal Mail launches new parcel drop-off and pick-up service for customers

Royal Mail has announced that they are now allowing customers to drop off and pick up parcels in convenience stores across the UK in a new service.

The Collect+ network is now available in more than 700 locations across the country - including Londis and independent newsagents. A whopping 5,000 locations are planned to be made available by the summer, reports Nottinghamshire Live.

Royal Mail customers will be able to drop off small and large parcels as well as collect online purchases.

Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: "By giving our customers access to the Collect+ network, we are significantly increasing the number of locations where they can drop off parcels and giving them more options to do so during weekends and evenings.

"This helps us meet demand from the growing number of customers who pay for parcel postage online and is one of the ways we’re continuing to make sending and receiving parcels as convenient as possible by giving customers greater choice."

So, what is the Collect+ network? Find out more below.

What is Collect+?

Founded in 2008, Collect+ is a service that offers parcel drop in and send off service in various different convenience locations across the UK.

The websites 'About' statement reads: "Collect+ is a network of locations made up of thousands of newsagents, convenience stores, supermarkets and petrol stations, so wherever you are, there’s a good chance that a Collect+ store is nearby. The majority of Collect+ stores are open 7-days a week, early ’til late, so collecting and sending parcels is easy and convenient."

Who does Collect+ work with?

According to the Collect+ website, the service works alongside a number of leading parcel couriers and retailers, including:

• Yodel

• Amazon

• Royal Mail

• DHL

• DPD

• eBay

• FedEx

• InPost

• Parcel2Go

• Wish Local

• UPS

How many stores work with Collect+?

The Collect+ store network is made up of 11,500 newsagents, convenience stores, supermarkets and petrol stations. The website also states that 90 per cent of the rural population live within five miles of a store, and 94 per cent of the urban (city) population live within one mile of a Collect+ store.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.