Lowe's to Add Pickup Lockers to All U.S. Stores by March 2021

Lowe's announced this morning that it will add self-serve pickup lockers to all U.S. stores, more than 1,700, by March 2021. The lockers will be an additional contactless option for shoppers, who have sought out these sorts of services during the COVID-19 pandemic. A scannable barcode generated after a purchase is made will allow shoppers to gain access to their items within in-store lockers. The lockers will be available in most major metro markets by Thanksgiving, Lowe's said. Stores in Charlotte, Philadelphia, and the New York tri-state area already have in-store lockers in place.

Total Retail's Take: Retailers continue to seek out ways to offer contactless shopping options for their customers, many of whom are reluctant to return to their normal in-store shopping behaviors. From curbside pickup to contactless payments to pickup lockers and more, retailers are investing in technology systems, employee training, marketing campaigns, etc., to give their customers options in how they want to shop. This is the new normal that you've likely heard over and over; in reality, this trend has been in existence for some time now. COVID-19 has just accelerated retailers' urgency to facilitate seamless omnichannel shopping experiences. Global pandemic or not, consumers are going to continue to demand from retailers the most convenient and streamlined ways possible for them to purchase and receive products.