Collect+ parcel service targets neighbourhood stores

Collect+, a new service which allows consumers to opt to have parcels from mail order and internet retailers delivered to a local shop, is expanding in the UK.

The business was set up a year ago as a 50:50 jv between PayPoint and Home Delivery Network (HDN), one of the UK’s leading parcel delivery companies.

It now has 3,500 outlets of the 22,000 PayPoint stores live as Collect+ agents. These include supermarkets, corner shops and newsagents.

According to Mark Astbury, general manager - commercial and former sales and marketing director at PayPoint, this figure will grow to 4,500 this year.

As well as enabling consumers to have online shopping delivered to a local store to collect when it suits them, the service allows shoppers to return items to many well-known retailers. It can also be used to send parcels to friends, relatives and eBay traders.

Collect+ claims other benefits of the service include the extended opening hours of Collect+ stores - all are open at least nine hours a day from Monday to Saturday and 98% are open at least eight hours a day, seven days a week.

For shoppers, the service provides email or SMS alerts and proof of delivery; online tracking and insurance cover. In addition, the stores, drivers and depots offer secure storage facilities, barcode scanners, signature pads and proof of ID checks.

Astbury said the company was already processing hundreds of thousands of parcels for retail clients including the Shop Direct Group, which comprises Littlewoods, Kays and Woolworths.co.uk, and further expansion is on the cards.