- ATLANTA, June 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
- Smart lockers can drive sales and loyalty for ‘e-commerce stranded’
- Locker locations can appear as a shipping address during checkout
- More than 8,000 UPS Access Point locations across the U.S.
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is making it easier for online retailers to increase sales and improve the shopper’s online experience by
expanding its smart locker program from nine locations in Chicago to 300 locations nationwide. The UPS Access Point™ lockers are
alternate delivery locations that are usually outside and accessible 24 hours a day at convenience stores and other locations.
Online retailers can integrate the locker delivery addresses into their web checkout process to give ‘e-commerce stranded’
consumers, who live in a residence where front-door delivery is not possible, a nearby delivery location.
“For online retailers, providing additional convenient delivery locations is one of the secrets to more shopping cart
conversions, greater loyalty and happier customers.” said Kalin Robinson, director of the UPS Access Point locker program. “UPS
Access Point lockers can be easily accessed when it fits the shopper’s schedule, giving an online retailer added value to present
at checkout. The lockers enable more shoppers to enjoy the ease and simplicity of buying online.”
The lockers are an integrated part of UPS’s portfolio of services for online and multichannel retailers. For example, UPS My
Choice® members can redirect their deliveries to a UPS Access Point locker, UPS Access Point retail location, or another alternate
delivery location. UPS My Choice members who choose a UPS Access Point locker can also receive a barcode on their smartphone for
even faster pickup.
UPS is working with 7-Eleven and independently owned and operated retailers to offer the locker program in select areas across
the country. The staggered rollout began in June and initially will be available in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and
Washington State. Subsequent states are planned to include California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire,
New Jersey and Texas.
According to the UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper™ study, more than half of avid online shoppers, who make two or more online
purchases in a typical three-month time period, are interested in an alternate delivery location with extended hours. Preference
for alternate delivery locations grew nine points (to 35%) in the last two years according to the UPS study.
When unable to make a delivery at a consumer’s residence, UPS drivers can leave a delivery notice indicating when and where the
package will be available for pickup at their neighborhood UPS Access Point location. All that’s needed to pick up the package at a
UPS Access Point locker is the UPS InfoNotice® alert or tracking number and a valid photo identification card. The process,
outlined in a UPS instructional video, can take less time than a transaction at an ATM.
“The increase in online shopping parallels the interest in alternate delivery locations,” continued Robinson. “UPS Access Point
lockers are one of the many ways that UPS is helping our customers offer consumers a great online shopping experience.”
In addition to self-service lockers, UPS also has more than 8,000 UPS Access Point locations at local businesses across the
United States. These locations are primarily neighborhood convenience and grocery stores, dry cleaners, delicatessens and The UPS
Store® locations that offer extended evening and weekend hours. There are currently more than 24,000 locations worldwide.
Retailers that are interested in becoming a UPS Access Point location or hosting a UPS Access Point locker can learn more and
apply online at UPS.com.
UPS offers several technology-driven services that help retailers deliver the experience shoppers desire, including:
-
UPS Quantum
View Manage® provides manufacturers and retailers with shipment tracking, customs brokerage and
inbound-outbound scheduling;
-
UPS i-parcel™ enables consumers
around the world to shop online with U.S. and UK retailers as if they were shopping in their own country;
-
UPS My Choice® provides convenient
delivery options that fit busy lifestyles. More than 25 million consumers worldwide use the service to manage when and where
their packages arrive, and reschedule or reroute packages to other locations; and
-
The UPS Access Point™ network can be integrated
into a retailer’s online checkout process so that consumers can have their packages sent directly to the UPS Access Point
location of their choosing.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and
freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business.
Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at
ups.com® and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS or follow
@UPS_News.
About 7-Eleven, Inc.
7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas,
7‑Eleven® operates, franchises and licenses more than 10,700 7‑Eleven stores in North America. Globally,
approximately 59,500 7‑Eleven stores serve customers in 17 countries. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.
Matt O’Connor 404-828-8113 matthewoconnor@ups.com
