UPS Says Pickup Lockers Help Merchants Boost Sales

UPS is expanding its Access Point Locker program, saying the lockers can help online merchants boost sales. UPS has been testing the program in nine locations in Chicago, and is now expanding them to 300 locations nationwide. EcommerceBytes reports there are more than 8,000 UPS Access Point locations across the U.S. at local businesses and over 24,000 Access Point locations worldwide. The technology can be integrated into sellers’ online checkout processes so that shoppers without front-door delivery capabilities can pick up orders safely near by.

Total Retail’s Take: In theory this sounds like an excellent idea. Currently, UPS is working with 7-Eleven and independently owned-and-operated retailers to offer the locker program in select areas across the country. Lockers for shipments have been tried by retailers before, including Amazon.com. The e-commerce giant offers a subscription-based model for shipments now. I'm interested to see where this venture goes in the next few months and how it will impact Amazon's locker sales.