- Around 200 new dispatch, collection and return pointsÂ
- Now almost 400 ParcelShops in operation
- Online shopping made easier in the run-up to Christmas
Just in time to cater for online Christmas shopping, the parcel service GLS Ireland has more than doubled the number of its ParcelShops. Consumers can now conveniently post, collect or return GLS parcels at almost 400 service points.
ParcelShops play an important role in the booming e-commerce business, particularly at Christmas time, when the number of orders increases dramatically and everything has to be delivered on time. ParcelShops are the “friendly neighbours” that can be trusted to take receipt of parcels when no one is at home. They are an alternative delivery address where online shoppers who are at work during the day can have their parcels delivered. They are also a drop-off point for returns, which is an important option for consumers in online retail.
Thanks to a partnership with ParcelDirect.ie, GLS Ireland has seamlessly integrated around 200 new service points into its existing GLS ParcelShop network. ParcelDirect.ie primarily collaborates with an association of Spar supermarkets and filling stations to also ensure good supply in rural areas. With this cooperation, GLS Ireland has now expanded its network for private individuals and small-scale business shippers to almost 400 ParcelShops spread throughout the entire country.
“Web shops and their customers particularly stand to benefit from the expansion of our network”, says Andreas Rickert, Managing Director of GLS Ireland. With its FlexDeliveryService, GLS gives parcel recipients the option to have their orders sent to a ParcelShop of their choice or set a specific delivery time, for example. If the merchant chooses ShopReturnService, consumers can drop off returns in ParcelShops free of charge.
Both services are also available for international parcels. GLS carries out international returns between Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg and Poland. The FlexDeliveryService now connects 22 European countries – for convenient cross-border online shopping.