UPS has announced that it will be expanding its smart locker program from nine locations in Chicago to 300 locations nationwide.
The UPS Access Point lockers provide time-constrained online shoppers with an alternative delivery location to access their deliveries 24/7 at a time and place that suits them. The automated lockers are typically located outside convenience stores or other high-footfall areas.
Kalin Robinson, director of the UPS Access Point locker program, said, “For online retailers, providing additional convenient delivery locations is one of the secrets to more shopping cart conversions, greater loyalty and happier customers. 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.”
UPS is working with 7-Eleven and independently operated retailers to offer the locker program in select areas across the country. The staggered roll-out began in June 2016 and will be initially available in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington State. Subsequent states are planned to include California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Texas.
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 time 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 according to the UPS study.
“The increase in online shopping parallels the interest in alternate delivery locations,” added Robinson. “UPS Access Point lockers are one of the many ways that UPS is helping our customers offer consumers a great online shopping experience.”
July 5, 2016
