ATLANTA -- UPS is expanding its smart locker program from nine locations in Chicago to 300 locations nationwide, with 7-Eleven's help.
The UPS Access Point lockers are alternate delivery locations that are usually outside and accessible 24 hours a day at convenience stores and other locations.
UPS is working with 7-Eleven and independently owned and operated retailers to offer the locker program in select areas across the country. The staggered rollout began in June and initially will be available in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington State. Planned states include California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Texas.
Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc., which operates, franchises and licenses more than 10,700 convenience stores in North America, has been piloting lockers with Amazon since 2011 as part of the expansion of its omnichannel strategy. Walmart Canada and 7-Eleven Canada also have been testing a locker concept.
Online retailers can integrate the locker delivery addresses into their web checkout process to give “e-commerce-stranded” consumers, who live in a residence where front-door delivery is not possible, a nearby delivery location.
“For online retailers, providing additional convenient delivery locations is one of the secrets to more shopping cart conversions, greater loyalty and happier customers,” said Kalin Robinson, director of the UPS Access Point locker program. “UPS Access Point lockers can be easily accessed when it fits the shopper’s schedule, giving an online retailer added value to present at checkout. The lockers enable more shoppers to enjoy the ease and simplicity of buying online.”
According to the UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper study, more than half of avid online shoppers, who make two or more online purchases in a typical three-month period, are interested in an alternate delivery location with extended hours. Preference for alternate delivery locations grew nine points (to 35%) in the past two years, the study said.
When unable to make a delivery at a consumer’s residence, UPS drivers can leave a delivery notice indicating when and where the package will be available for pickup at their neighborhood UPS Access Point location. All that’s needed to pick up the package at a UPS Access Point locker is the UPS InfoNotice alert or tracking number and a valid photo identification card. The process can take less time than a transaction at an ATM, the Atlanta-based company said.
“The increase in online shopping parallels the interest in alternate delivery locations,” said Robinson. “UPS Access Point lockers are one of the many ways that UPS is helping our customers offer consumers a great online shopping experience.”
In addition to self-service lockers, UPS also has more than 8,000 UPS Access Point locations at local businesses across the United States. These locations are primarily neighborhood convenience and grocery stores, dry cleaners, delicatessens and The UPS Store locations that offer extended evening and weekend hours. There are currently more than 24,000 locations worldwide.
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