Co-op announces new change coming to 100 stores that some shoppers will see by summer

Co-op says the change will provide customers with an “additional convenient service”.

Many Co-op shoppers are set to see a major change coming to their local store this summer as the supermarket has revealed it will be adding a new service to a number of its outlets.

Some shoppers will begin to see parcel lockers introduced in their local stores as the Co-op partners with Royal Mail to provide local communities with an “additional convenient service”.

The Co-op is the latest supermarket to announce plans to add parcel lockers to their stores. It follows Sainsbury’s who announced that they had introduced Royal Mail parcel lockers to six of their supermarkets in April.

The store plans to implement the service in 100 of its stores, with the first lockers being introduced this summer, the Mirror reports.

The new service allows shoppers to drop off pre-labelled Royal Mail parcels and returns at Co-op parcel lockers. Collection will also be available at the lockers, however neither company has yet confirmed when this will be.

On the new initiative, George Hayworth, Co-op’s Head of Online Development, said: “Co-op is focused on developing added services and enhanced convenience – we aim to have the best small shops, and work to ensure our stores are a convenient destination for a range of services that meet local needs.

“Including growing our network of lockers to help residents, commuters and time-pressed consumers pick up or return parcels at a time that suits them, quickly, easily and conveniently.”

Customers will need to pay for postage online before using the Co-op parcel lockers. They will then be given a QR code to scan at the locker which will allow them to print off their label. For returns, customers will be able to request a QR code at the lockers.

The new addition of lockers at Co-op stores comes after Royal Mail launched its own parcel locker network in December last year to allow customers to conveniently drop-off and collect parcels.

As part of these plans, Royal Mail currently has a network of more than 1,500 lockers and 7,000 Collect+ stores for customers to use.

Anna Malley, Director of Partnerships and Acquisitions at Royal Mail, said: “We are focused on rolling out lockers in locations that are as convenient as possible for our customers, so Co-op’s model of providing a hub for community services at its stores is perfect.

“Our customers are sending more and more parcels, whether that’s returning online purchases or selling second hand clothing on marketplaces, so it’s crucial that we give them a wide range of options to do so.”

On the collaboration with Co-op, they added: “This partnership will help us to expand our network, creating even more drop off points.”

Locations of Royal Mail parcel lockers can be found through the finder tool on its website.