ParcelPoint Increases Network – Now Second Only to Australia Post

Campbell Phillips
4th June
PowerRetail

Convenience-oriented parcel network, ParcelPoint has announced it has signed on a raft of new local stores, making it the second largest parcel branch network in Australia.

As far as new fulfilment services and infrastructure is concerned, parcel collection points appear to be a sure-fire solution to many consumers’ e-commerce delivery complaints. However, success in this space means having an extensive network of parcel pickup and returns locations, and so far Australia Post has been poised to win that rate.

Now a competitor to Australia Post’s parcel locker business, ParcelPoint has increased its existing network by a full half following the completion of several deals with major retail groups.

Agreements have been inked with Stocklands Shopping Centres, Kennards Hire, Storage King, Civic Video and “a national supermarket chain”, which will swell ParcelPoint’s existing number of 7-day agent locations from 1,000 to 1,500 Australia-wide.

“We already have over 1,000 active locations across all metro areas of Australia, and we can’t activate them fast enough,” says Adam McArthur, CEO of ParcelPoint. “Offline retailers across the country are realising that by providing parcel services in-­store, they can actually benefit from the online retail boom.”

ParcelPoint has been able to encourage these groups to accepts parcels in their properties by offering commission on all parcels handled, as well as the software, tools and education required to administer and maintain the parcel services. The added benefit is that by drawing consumers into their stores to pick up an item, the retailers then have a chance to attract additional purchases.

“Our aim is to provide a more convenient alternative to using Australia Post for parcel services. Our stores don’t close at 5pm are open on the weekend, without the long queues,” says McArthur.

The company also reports that it’s on target to open 3,000 outlets within the next 18 months, which puts it within reach of Australia Post’s 4,400 locations.

Read more: