myHermes, the consumer delivery specialist, has expanded the number of myHermes ParcelShop locations nationwide through a new partnership with Doddle, the UK network of purple parcel stores.
Initially 10 Doddle stores in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton, Norwich and Glasgow will join the myHermes Parcelshop network offering customers additional click & collect locations, as well as drop off points for online shopping returns and myHermes parcel shipping. Doddle’s remaining locations are expected to be added to the network by the end of the year. There will be no additional charges for customers using the myHermes ParcelShop services at a Doddle store.
Over the last year, the number of parcels passing through myHermes ParcelShops has risen by 47%. Of the 4,500 myHermes ParcelShops, 80% are open until 10pm, whilst 92% of the population now live within just two miles of an outlet. This coverage, combined with the accessibility of the Doddle stores, which are located at high footfall locations such as train stations and open early until late, ensures that the UK’s millions of commuters also have access to a host of parcel solutions outside of standard business hours.
Doddle shop locations would prove expensive to expand rapidly, hence their growth into the wider community with Doddle Neighbour. On the other hand Hermes Parcelshops are generally out in the community and perhaps not quite as convenient for commuters as dropping a parcel off at the train station on your daily commute into London or other major UK cities.
It makes sense for Doddle to make more use of their real estate and for Hermes, although it’s a small addition to their 4,500+ Parcelshop network, may prove to result in a disproportionate increase in parcel volume.
