Post Office signs first ever click-and-collect deal with external courier firm

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Post Office has signed its first agreement in its 360-year history with an external courier firm to allow customers to collect parcels from its branches. This is a significant, long-term partnership between two brand leaders in the parcel industry and comes at a time when the convenience of online shopping and delivery is more valued than ever Elaine Kerr, DPD Post Office chief executive Nick Read said: “Combining the biggest physical retail network with one of the Europe’s best-known logistical carriers provides greater customer convenience, footfall for postmasters, and helps people back to the high street as Covid-19 restrictions ease. “I’m delighted that, through our partnership with DPD, customers can select their local Post Office to collect their parcels and know that they are often open longer hours, staffed by a knowledgeable postmaster and located moments from where they live.” According to the Post Office, click-and-collect services increased 14% year on year. “This partnership enables us to offer more options at the point of purchase, while the parcel is in-flight and on those occasions when we can’t leave a parcel safely.” Bosses also said the deal will help reduce both companies’ carbon footprint, with vans no longer having to make multiple stops to drop off parcels, while at the same time encouraging people to return to their local high street on foot.