Tesco is set to roll out automated parcel machines in 500 stores by the end of November, in partnership with ecommerce delivery company InPost.
The new partnership adds InPost lockers in the Big 4 grocer’s entire large-format store estate, increasing the range of services and facilities Tesco has to offer.
According to the ecommerce delivery company, the move comes just in time for Christmas, bringing customers “extra convenience” and “much needed postal services” to existing community hubs.
Customers also have the opportunity to drop off parcels thanks to InPost’s Instant Returns service.
This partnership allows Tesco customers to ‘trip-twin’ and saves time by combining these errands with their regular grocery shop.
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The deal continues InPost’s rapid growth in the UK, bringing the total number of InPost lockers in the country to approximately 2500.
InPost aims to have the largest automated parcel machine networks in the UK, with ambitions for around 3000 APMs by the end of 2021 and over 10,000 by 2024.
“We’re incredibly proud to provide Tesco shoppers across the country with the most convenient way to collect parcels and make returns,” InPost UK CEO Jason Tavaria, CEO said.
“Very soon they’ll also be able to enjoy our enhanced service for posting items, making it even easier to skip the queues and send parcels using lockers.
“People are always looking for new ways to access essential amenities and convenient services that fit in around their busy lives, saving them time and effort.
“Our lockers do just that. And by reducing the number of deliveries needed, the new lockers will reduce local traffic, helping create more sustainable, greener communities.”
In a clear sign of Tesco’s commitment to the new partnership, more than 200 lockers are already installed, with the supermarket chain opting to go straight to a national rollout of these, rather than a pilot scheme.
Once the InPost APM network is fully operational across all of the planned Tesco locations, it has the potential to eliminate 250,000 last-mile deliveries, reducing carbon emissions by up to 70 per cent per parcel versus home delivery, InPost has revealed.
This will help reduce congestion in local areas by reducing the number of deliveries needed and create healthier and greener local communities.
It also supports Tesco’s ambition to become a zero-carbon business by 2050.
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