DPD to launch bespoke parcel shop network

Parcel delivery company DPD has announced that it plans to open its own parcel shop network in June as an alternative to its competitor’s popular click-and-collect services.

DPD PickUp will be headquartered in Stoke and will feature a network of 2,500 outlets, which it states will mean that at least one of its pick-up points will be within a ten-minute radius for most people in the UK.

The service will allow customers of its existing clients, including Asos.com, to have their parcel delivered to their chosen pick-up, which shoppers can select at point-of-sale, as a convenient alternative to home delivery. The service will also give customers the option to change their delivery pick-up via text or e-mail ahead of a scheduled home delivery, which means if they know that they are not home they can divert their order to a convenient DPD PickUp point.

Commenting on the new service, DPD's CEO Dwain McDonald said: "This is all about giving our customers choice and a quality experience. We think our existing home delivery service is the best in the business, and customers agree, voting us top in both Which? and MoneySavingExpert polls recently. But we never stand still. In future, we will be able to offer customers a choice between a one-hour timeslot home delivery or a DPD PickUp delivery.

DPD to set up its own parcel shop network as click-and-collect alternative

McDonald added: "Our aim is to offer a collect and return service with a difference. We're looking to give DPD PickUp customers an outstanding service experience - from the communication at purchase about their delivery options, right through to the PickUp shop environment and the service they receive there - which means working with high quality retail outlets who share our customer service ethos.”

The courier company said that the service will be fully operational from June 1 and that it is partnering with a number of companies to deliver the service, with the Numark Pharmacists chain being one of the first members of the new network. More pick-up points are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

As well as offering a convenient service for its customers, the new venture is also set to create 22 new jobs this year and it also stated that it is actively recruiting for a range of positions including operational and admin staff, IT, analysts and relationship and field managers.

Image: DPD CEO Dwain McDonald with Stoke City Football Club player Peter Odemwingie and head of DPD Pickup Des Travers at the launch.