Royal Mail has announced the acquisition of Quadient’s UK-based parcel locker network. Around 3,000 lockers will now become part of Royal Mail’s out of home network. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the calendar year. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Together with our existing lockers, parcel shops and parcel postboxes, this acquisition will further enhance our out of home network of 30,000 parcel points and strengthen our proposition for customers. This is an exciting step forward in making it even easier for customers to send, collect and return parcels in the way that suits them best, through lockers, shops and other convenient locations.”
The deal strengthens Royal Mail’s position and makes it a major player in a crowded UK parcel lockers market that also includes InPost, Amazon, and YEEP!
SPAR
Earlier this month, Quadient announced a partnership with James Hall & Co., SPAR UK’s primary retailer, wholesaler, and distributor for the North of England.
Parcel Pending by Quadient lockers are being rolled out across James Hall & Co.’s G&E Murgatroyd company owned retail estate, with 37 locations already live and further deployments planned across its network of stores. These offer 24/7 access for deliveries, returns, exchanges, and item storage. They support a range of services, including prescription collection, Click & Collect, key exchange, and spare parts retrieval.
“Through the company’s SPAR stores, partnering with James Hall & Co. allows us to further embed our open locker network into the fabric of local communities across the North of England,” said Katia Bourgeais-Crémel, EVP Parcel Locker Solutions Europe at Quadient. “Convenience retail plays a critical role in everyday life, and by introducing smart, secure lockers into these locations, we are removing friction from parcel collection and returns. This partnership reflects our focus on delivering predictable, scalable last-mile solutions that benefit the entire ecosystem from carriers and retailers to consumers and store staff.”
Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co., said: “We are committed to enhancing the role our SPAR stores play within local communities, offering services that go beyond traditional retail. Partnering with Quadient enables us to introduce a secure and convenient parcel solution that meets the evolving needs of our customers, while driving additional footfall and value for our stores. We look forward to continuing the roll-out across our estate.”
Quadient’s locker network now spans the US, Japan, and Europe, with over 28,200 units installed globally and plans to reach 40,000 by 2030.