Canada Post launches new concept store focused on e-commerce
Canada Post has launched a new concept drive-thru and parcel pick-up store in Richmond Hill, Ontario, which is focused on catering to the needs of the online shopper. Speaking to Post&Parcel today, John Reis, head of retail for Canada Post, said that the new facility is part of the postal operator’s commitment to become “the most convenient e-commerce solution on the market”.
Canada Post, added Reis, currently delivers two out of every three e-commerce parcels in Canada and it sees strong potential for more growth.
The innovations at the Richmond Hill facility, which is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), include a 24/7 self-service zone; a parcel “drive-thru” area, where customers can collect their parcels without even having to get out of their cars; and a changing room facility.
The self-service zone features parcel kiosks, which customers can use to send their returns. According to Reis, printing labels for the parcels is a quick-and-easy process, and customers can also use pre-paid labels. The 24/7 self-service zone also includes post boxes, parcel lockers and vending machines dispending Canada Post core products, such as stamps, coins and pre-paid parcel products.
The changing room area will allow customers to try on their new clothes immediately and – if necessary – organize their return. Reis believes that this is a first for a North American post office.
The Richmond Hill site will also be offering the opportunity for e-commerce companies to set up “pop up stores” through which they can showcase their products. Reis said that Canada Post has already lined up participants for November. The identity of the e-commerce company is still under wraps, but Reis did reveal that it will be an apparel retailer.
“We are looking to do two more stores next year,” added Reis. “One will open in the Spring in Edmonton, Ontario. This will be similar to the Richmond Hill store, but smaller. In the Fall, there will be one in Vancouver. This will have the changing room and the 24/7 zone, but not the drive-thru. We will then evaluate the results from the three sites, see what is working, what’s isn’t, and decided on how to move forward.”
