Co-op is to roll out 30 lockers to stores as part of its strategy to develop added services and enhance convenience.

The convenience retailer has partnered with Quadient to add its Parcel Pending network of intelligent lockers to its stores, to be used for deliveries and returns from significant carriers, including Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, and UPS, as well as for new services like convenient key drop-offs with Keynest.

It will install the lockers in stores in areas such as Bedford, Bradford, Guildford, Keighley, Liverpool, Stockport, Swinton and Telford this month, with potential for the partnership to grow further.

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Co-op head of q-comm development George Hayworth said: “Safe, secure and convenient parcel lockers are one of the ways in which we make things easier and deliver enhanced convenience for our member-owners and customers.

“With our stores conveniently located in high streets and transport hubs, university campuses and residential developments, parcel lockers can help local residents and time-pressed consumers pick up or return parcels at a time that is convenient to them, quickly, easily and conveniently.”

Quadient director of locker automation Europe Katia Bourgeais-Crémel added: “This partnership enables us to offer Co-op customers a secure and efficient solution for managing parcel deliveries and returns. Shoppers can easily collect or return parcels at their convenience, whether during a grocery run or as part of their daily routine, making the process both simple and seamless.”

It comes as the grocer accelerated its parcel locker partnership with InPost in June by introducing three times as many parcel lockers.