7-Eleven, UPS Expanding Smart Locker Program
IRVING, Texas — 7-Eleven Inc. and United Parcel Service Inc. struck an agreement whereby UPS’ Access Point self-service lockers will be placed at select convenience store locations in 13 states. In total, UPS plans to expand its locker program, now available at nine Chicago 7-Eleven locations, to 300 locations nationwide.
Access Point lockers will initially be placed in the immediate future at 7-Eleven locations in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington State. Subsequent states expected to have Access Point lockers are California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Texas.
According to 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.
UPS Access Point works whereby a UPS driver is unable to make a delivery a consumer’s residence, they can leave a note indicating when and where the package will be available for pickup at a local 7-Eleven location. To pick up the package at an Access Point location, consumers need to have a UPS InfoNotice alert or tracking number and a valid photo identification.
“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.
As CSNews Online previously reported, this is not 7-Eleven’s first foray into locker programs. It has previously worked with UPS, as well as Amazon Inc. and FedEx Corp.
Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc. operates, franchises and licenses more than 10,700 7-Eleven stores in North America.