BOSTON, Oct. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, Package Concierge®, the trusted provider of automated locker solutions for the modern world, is sharing new data showing just how valuable lockers are to retailers with physical distancing concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic. Solutions that mitigate person-to-person contact remain crucial for retailers navigating the new normal, especially during a time when store staffing levels may be reduced. The survey found of those who are using lockers, 83 percent cited operational efficiency gains as one of the main reasons for using them. Lockers are paying off in bottom lines and beyond, and even those who don't have them have noticed: among retailers not currently using lockers, 66 percent realize that lockers improve the customer experience.
"Ecommerce numbers have hit record highs this year with more people shopping online than ever before; and with that, BOPIS fulfillment methods must evolve to meet the demand," said Penny Lasater, Head of Package Concierge Retail. "Our research shows that retailers are exploring multiple BOPIS fulfillment options, with contactless pickup being an important feature. While curbside pickup is contactless, and got retailers through the shut-down, it's labor intensive and cumbersome to manage and scale. Automated lockers require the least store labor and provide the most store and customer flexibility, all while being contactless - they're the ideal solution."
The survey found significant increases in all BOPIS fulfillment methods since COVID with 18 percent of retail respondents adding a curbside BOPIS solution for the first time. Those who utilize lockers are sold on their value, as half plan to significantly increase the usage of their existing lockers, and one third are extremely likely to install more lockers in the next 12-18 months. Recently, Package Concierge has installed lockers solutions for several customers who aren't traditional retailers, but still recognize lockers as being invaluable for aiding in social distancing.
Other key considerations revealed in the research, related to retailers considering lockers, include installation space constraints and the perception that their products won't fit in the locker compartments. "The good news is that our solution is able to solve for these concerns. We offer purpose-built lockers for outdoor installation, where space is easier to come by, which provides secure, 24/7 access, thus extending the store hours. Additionally, our patent-pending configurable locker system, and newly introduced oversize and pallet-size lockers, can accommodate everything from a sheet of plywood, to a big screen TV, to a comforter set, providing flexibility for even the most diverse merchandise mix," concluded Lasater.
Package Concierge smart lockers and package rooms are being used at over 2,000 locations nationwide and boast more than half of a million users. For more details about Package Concierge, please visit http://www.packageconcierge.com/retail.
About Package Concierge® Retail
Package Concierge® is the trusted provider of automated locker solutions for the modern world. By combining industry expertise and cutting-edge technology, Package Concierge helps retailers streamline the order fulfillment process and deliver contactless experiences through Buy Online Pickup In-Store (BOPIS). With the Package Concierge® automated retail locker systems, retailers are optimizing operations and enhancing the consumer experience to better manage evolving needs and shopping surges, without having to increase staffing. Made in the USA, Package Concierge® delivers on security, design and functionality. For more information, visit https://www.packageconcierge.com/markets/retail/.
SOURCE Package Concierge®
Share this article