German parcel delivery company DPD has launched its own shop concept in Berlin. In the first DPD Store, people can pick up and send parcels in a pleasant environment. More similar shops will follow.
Micro-depot and storage
As usual in a pick-up point, consumers can pick up online orders and send (back) returns or their own orders, but it is mainly the experience and additional services that make the difference with other collection points. Online shoppers can immediately unpack their order and try or test it in an inviting environment. For example, they will find fair trade coffee and organic snacks.
The shop also serves as a micro-depot from which local deliveries are made by electric bike. Consumers can also rent lockers or storage space in the store through a cooperation with the self-storage provider Storebox. In the shop, those who want to send parcels can also use cardboard boxes collected from other people.
Following a Finnish example
“We have all learned to appreciate the advantages of online shopping, but we also know the challenges. Especially when it comes to receiving parcels, returning goods, dealing with the many boxes and packages and delivery traffic in city centres. This is exactly what we are aiming for with our DPD Store, and at the same time we are creating a new brand and a new shopping experience”, Managing Director Eric Malitzke said in a press release.
DPD Store follows the example of Box, a carefully designed shop by the Finnish postal company Posti in Helsinki. The shop with powder pink walls and a luxury boutique look serves not only as a collection point, but also as a pop-up showroom for young Finnish brands, has large packing tables for shipments and returns and offers fitting rooms to try on orders immediately. In the recycling corner, people can leave their packaging behind so that others can reuse it.
