Australia Post and fulfilment technology provider, Doddle, have extended their network of collect and return locations to include IGA supermarkets.
Australia Post Collect & ReturnTM will offer shoppers the choice to collect and return online shopping at a diverse network of locations including Post Offices, 24/7 Parcel Lockers supermarkets, pharmacies and department stores nationwide.
At launch, the network of retail partners will include selected IGA supermarkets, Priceline pharmacies, Aventus Group shopping centres and selected assets managed by 151 Property Retail. This will grow in the new year, offering shoppers extended trading hours and convenient locations to collect and return their online shopping.
The partnership will build on Australia Post’s existing network of over 4300 Post Offices, parcel lockers in more than 350 locations and 15,500 Street Posting Boxes to make it even easier for customers to choose where and when they collect and return their online shopping.
Customers will be able to select their most convenient location from a map offered in the checkout of their favourite online retailers, functionality powered by Doddle technology. Notifications will be sent to customers advising when parcels are ready for collection.
Australia Post General Manager Parcel and Express Services/Intermediaries Ben Franzi said it was about making it even easier for Australians to shop online.
“We are determined to provide our customers with services that make their online shopping experience seamless and even easier to access,” Franzi said.
“We’re excited to be working with Doddle and retail partners to give customers the flexibility they’ve been after, the ability to collect and return parcels when and where it suits them.”
Privately owned and chaired by Travelex founder Sir Lloyd Dorfman CBE, Doddle, is providing the underlying technology powering the new service. A pioneer in eCommerce collect and return, Doddle is also a trusted solution provider to leading international retailers.
Justin Dery, CEO of Doddle Asia-Pacific, said that combining Australia Post’s unrivalled delivery network with Doddle’s parcel collect and return technology, creates a major step-change in the Australian eCommerce delivery landscape.
“‘Pick-up’ services are the fastest growing delivery option globally and with 35% of Australian consumers picking up an online order last year, the potential in this market is huge,” Dery said.
Potential retail partners and online retailers are currently being invited to express their interest in joining the Australia Post Collect & Return offer.