Royal Mail has launched a six-month trial of parcel lockers at selected Tesco stores, marking a further push to expand its out-of-home (OOH) network.
The lockers, installed outside stores, are accessible 24/7 and allow shoppers to collect, send and return parcels at a time that suits them. Initial locations now live include Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Barrow, Burnham-on-Sea, Bury, Cullompton, Horwich, March and Preston.
The move reflects growing demand for flexible parcel solutions, particularly as convenience retail continues to play a larger role in last-mile logistics. By positioning lockers in high-footfall supermarket locations, Royal Mail aims to integrate parcel services more seamlessly into everyday shopping journeys.
Customers can use the lockers by purchasing postage online and generating a QR code, or requesting one for returns. The units also feature label printing, removing the need for customers to print labels at home.
Royal Mail said the Tesco trial builds on its existing network of 25,000 parcel points, which includes 2,600 lockers, 11,500 Post Office branches, 8,000 Royal Mail Shop outlets, 1,200 Customer Service Points and 1,400 parcel postboxes. The operator has set a target to expand this network to 45,000 locations by 2030.
Jack Clarkson, managing director for out-of-home and commercial excellence at Royal Mail, said the partnership highlights the company’s ambition to make parcel services more accessible.
“We are really excited to bring Royal Mail lockers to Tesco stores. This partnership is another example of how we are making it easier than ever for our customers to collect, send and return parcels with us. It’s great news for shoppers and a step towards delivering our ambition to triple our parcel points to 45,000 by 2030,” he said.
Tesco said the trial forms part of a broader strategy to enhance in-store convenience through partnerships with multiple locker providers.
A spokesperson for Tesco’s strategic partnership team said: “We’re constantly looking for ways to make the shopping trip even more convenient for our customers, and as part of a small locker hub partner trial across a small number of stores, where we are bringing a number of providers together, we’re pleased to introduce Royal Mail lockers across a selected small number of stores.
“Working with Royal Mail, in addition to our existing locker partner InPost, will give even more customers a convenient way to collect and drop off their parcels as part of their shopping trip.”