Amazon is claiming online shoppers will be able to pick up their orders on the same day of purchase following the launch of Smiths News’ “click and collect” parcel delivery service
The UK newspaper and magazine wholesaler – which split from WH Smith in 2006 – says the “Pass My Parcel” service will offer delivery of items either same day or next day to participating independent retail outlets.
Smiths News said it would use its existing distribution and logistics service to operate the scheme seven days a week, 364 days each year.
The service will offer two time-sensitive deliveries each day, other than Sundays when there will be a single delivery.
Smiths News will operate the service from 12 distribution centres across the country, and said it would have up to 1,000 parcel shops operating this autumn.
Jonathan Bunting, managing director connect news and media at Smiths News, said: “We have worked closely with Amazon to create Pass My Parcel, and we are excited about the future potential of this business.
“We believe that Pass My Parcel will also help our retail customers grow their own business by offering an important new service to the communities they serve.”
Smiths News is using its existing periodicals distribution operation to supply its network of parcel shops
Amazon UK said its new same-day collection offering allows customers to order as late as 11.45am for collection from 4pm. Customers are notified via email when their order is available and they can collect their parcel up to 11.59pm, depending on the store closing time.
“This is our fastest pick-up service yet,” said Christopher North, managing director of Amazon.co.uk. “We know that Prime customers love fast delivery and the convenience to pick up their order at a time and place that suits them best. This new service brings together both of those great benefits.”
The launch is the latest in a raft on new parcel delivery services fighting for business traditionally handled by Royal Mail. With letters declining at about 8% a year, online parcel deliveries make up almost half of Royal Mail’s £9.15bn revenues. However, parcels revenue fell 1% in the three months to June, and Royal Mail said revenue for the year could miss expectations.
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