GLS expands B2C business in the Netherlands
GLS announced the expansion of its B2C business in the Netherlands, increasing the number of parcel shops to a total of 270 throughout the country and planning the launch of an additional returns service. In response to the boom in online orders from e-commerce, GLS is using its extended network as alternative delivery points when private customers are not home to receive their shipments. The parcel shops in the Netherlands are located in businesses throughout all industry sectors. About 20% of the shops have longer opening times and are open on Saturdays.
Kars says that the number of people making use of the pick-up service at parcel shops has increased from 15% to 40% during the last half-year. The customer base of GLS including several online retailers is growing continuously.
GLS is planning the launch of a new service in the Netherlands for easy management of return shipments in the B2C mail-order market by enabling the customer to hand in their return shipments at the next parcel shop.
