Rugsdirect.co.uk has partnered with stampfree.ai to launch the UK’s first WhatsApp-based returns service for retail customers, marking a major step toward messaging-led e-commerce operations.

Powered by stampfree.ai’s appfree platform, Rugs Direct customers can book and manage returns directly through WhatsApp, without needing to download apps, log into portals or print labels.

Customers can choose between Evri and DX for returns and receive instructions instantly within a simple chat interface. According to the stampfree.ai, early adoption is already demonstrating traction, with all returns now being processed via WhatsApp through the appfree platform.

Continue reading Rugs Direct launches WhatsApp returns with stampfree.ai at Parcel and Postal Technology International.

Bloq.it and UK parcel delivery company Evri have signed a multi-year agreement to deploy smart parcel lockers and returns drop-off devices across the UK.

The rollout will begin this month with installations at locations operated by East of England Co-op. Around 1,000 units are planned as part of the initial phase of the partnership.

Under the agreement, Bloq.it will supply its Next smart lockers along with its dedicated returns solution, Drop.

Continue reading Bloq.it and Evri partner to deploy parcel lockers and returns devices across the UK at Parcel and Postal Technology International.

The new bpost bbox parcel locker facility in Ghent is the largest in Belgium. Located next to bpost’s distribution center, it weighs four metric tons, is 13m long and contains 224 individual lockers. It was officially inaugurated by Ghent Mayor Mathias De Clercq.

The installation forms part of a broader expansion of bpost’s parcel locker network. The company plans to install more than 1,000 additional bbox units nationwide this year, bringing the total to around 3,500 by the end of 2026, with the goal of having a locker within five-minutes of every resident.

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Reverse logistics is becoming a strategic priority for e-commerce operators as rising return volumes reshape parcel and postal networks, according to new data released by DHL.

Drawing on its 2025 E-commerce Trends Reports and recent operational figures, DHL says returns are increasingly influencing conversion rates, sustainability outcomes and supply chain resilience, particularly in apparel and other high-return categories.

Return rates in fashion now regularly exceed 50%, driven by ‘bracketing,’ where customers order multiple sizes or colors with the intention of returning most items.

Continue reading Reverse logistics shifts from cost center to competitive differentiator, DHL data shows at Parcel and Postal Technology International.

Royal Mail is preparing for half a million gifts to be returned this week ahead of ‘Takeback Tuesday’ – the busiest day of the year for sending back online purchases following the Christmas season.

According to Royal Mail data, the number of returns is expected to rise by about 25%, with Tuesday set to be the peak day.

This year will be the first where customers will have access to Royal Mail’s new convenient drop-off options, including proof of postage at any of the 115,000 postboxes; 3,500 solar-powered ‘postboxes of the future’ allowing for the return of larger parcels; 8,000 convenience stores across the UK which have become Royal Mail Shop outlets; and 2,600 parcel lockers available in high‑footfall locations such as Sainsbury’s stores and other major retailers.

Continue reading Royal Mail signposts new return options ahead of ‘Takeback Tuesday’ at Parcel and Postal Technology International.

imageHOLDERS, a provider of self-service kiosk solutions, has announced a new partnership with Norafric Technology, Reason Solutions, 3S Pay and Algerie Post for a pilot of a postal self-service kiosk and Dropbox Lite. This solution – incorporating digitalization and automation – is designed to enhance customer service, increase accessibility and streamline transactions.

The rollout of self-service kiosks will allow customers to quickly and easily complete tasks including shipping services, drop-off of parcels and letters, receipt printing and tracking.

Continue reading Algerie Post to pilot self-service kiosks and new drop-off solution at Parcel and Postal Technology International.

Australia Post is to expand its operations in regional Victoria with the opening of a new post office in Ballarat’s Bridge Mall. Set to open in February, the Ballarat Central Post Office will feature a modern, flexible design with a smaller footprint and an upgraded back-of-house layout to handle increasing parcel volumes.

The new site will offer Australia Post’s full suite of services, including parcel delivery, Bank@Post financial services, identification services and a range of retail products.

Continue reading Australia Post to open new post office in Ballarat at Parcel and Postal Technology International.

Evri and Asda have announced a new partnership that will see the rollout of ParcelShops in all Asda stores, enabling customers to collect and return parcels from thousands of different retailers.

The service has recently launched in over 300 Asda locations, including Express convenience sites and some of its supermarkets and superstores. It will eventually roll out to all 1,200 Asda stores across the UK by April next year.

Martijn de Lange, CEO, Evri Group, said, “This landmark agreement with fellow Leeds-based Asda strengthens our commitment to creating a delivery network fit for the modern UK shopper, directly giving them choice, convenience and control.”

Chris Hall, VP, logistics at Asda, added, “We know how much our customers value convenience, and this service gives them the flexibility to collect or return an Evri parcel whether they’re popping in for a pint of milk in one of our Express stores or doing their big shop in one of our larger stores.”

The announcement follows Evri’s £50m (US$67m) investment, annonuced in June 2025, to double its network of ParcelShops and Lockers to 25,000 locations by 2030.

Continue reading Evri’s ParcelShop service opens in Asda Stores at Parcel and Postal Technology International.

Australia Post has opened its first Australia Post Parcels facility in Canberra this week, ahead of the upcoming busy shopping season.

The new format post office, located in Mitchell, is designed to make sending, collecting and returning parcels faster and more convenient for locals. It features 24/7 self-serve and parcel locker options. The accessible vending machines are stocked with packaging, stamps and other mailing items.

Josh Bannister , Australia Post executive general manager – retail, brand and marketing, said, “Australia Post Parcels has been designed with flexibility and convenience at its core, ensuring Australia Post continues to service customers where and when they need it most.

Continue reading Australia Post opens next-gen generation post office in Canberra at Parcel and Postal Technology International.

Smart locker company Bloq.it has launched Drop, a new, purpose-built, compact, standalone drop-off solution designed to make e-commerce returns faster, smarter and more sustainable.

According to the company, the new solution enables customers to return their parcels in just 10 seconds, at any time of day. Rather than using individual lockers, the compact drop-off device features a single slot for handovers. It has a built-in label printer, a QR and barcode reader, and a 10in color touchscreen to guide users smoothly through the process via Bloq.OS – Bloq.it’s connected software platform.

Continue reading Bloq.it simplifies e-commerce returns with drop-off solution at Parcel and Postal Technology International.