Key Points:
- Evri will double its ‘pick up, drop off’ network of ParcelShops and lockers to 25,000 locations by 2030
- Long-term strategy to invest more than £50 million over next 5 years in 10,000 lockers
- Development of best-in-class lockers with new features including drop boxes and label printers
Evri, one of the UK’s largest dedicated parcel delivery companies, has announced an ambitious plan to significantly grow its out of home network by 2030 – more than doubling its network of ParcelShops and lockers to 25,000.
The business has long been at the forefront of out of home delivery in the UK, including being the first to do next day delivery to its extensive network of independent shops, post offices and lockers.
To support this growth, Evri is investing more than £50 million to launch an owned, in-house network of smart lockers that bring dynamic new functionality to the consumer experience. Evri will roll out 10,000 lockers as part of its network expansion to support its continued growth with the UK’s leading retailers and marketplaces.
Evri currently has a network of more than 10,000 ParcelShops and lockers, which includes its flagship independent shop network, Post Office branches, corporate partners such as Co-op. Its partnerships and investment will more than double this by 2030, with Parcelshops and locker locations set to grow to 25,000 – hitting the 2,000-locker milestone before Christmas 2025.
The announcement follows a 500 per cent year-on-year increase in locker usage, a trend which is anticipated to continue.
“We are committed to offering greater delivery choices for the consumers, retail clients, and businesses that we serve. This major multi-million-pound investment will establish one of the UK’s largest pick up, drop off networks as part of our mission to become the UK’s premier parcel delivery business,” Martijn de Lange, Evri chief executive, said.
All lockers in the Evri network will have high-quality hardware with a label printer, drop box, parcel detection sensors, and will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers will benefit from a best-in-class user experience with the option for a completely contactless experience through geo-based Near Field Communication. Customers will also be able to see a pre-arrival capacity indicator to ensure there is space, before making a journey.
Evri also intends to continue the growth of its ParcelShop network of independent convenience stores, which offer a valuable service to their local communities. The firm’s latest move to invest further in lockers will complement one of the most diverse parcel delivery networks in the UK with options to deliver to home, work, ParcelShops and lockers, alongside ‘on the road’ diversions to a neighbour or safe place. Divert options ensure consumers have choice, convenience and control over their parcel, further enhancing the accessibility of parcel delivery.
Retailers will be able to offer Evri lockers, alongside ParcelShops, at the point of sale in the online shopping experience.