Revolutionizing Retail with alternative shipping: BOPA, BOPIS, Lockers in the US

In the rapidly evolving landscape of retail and e-commerce, the convergence of convenience and flexibility has given rise to innovative solutions that redefine the customer experience. The strategies of Buy Online, Pick Up Anywhere (BOPA), Lockers, and Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS) continue to evolve as game-changers, offering consumers diverse options to receive their purchases with added convenience.

In the vast realm of shipping, three giants stand tall when it comes to pick-up locations: FedEx, UPS, and Amazon. These carriers boast extensive networks, ensuring that wherever you are, there’s a convenient spot for your packages to begin their journey

Exploring the BOPA realm, we delve into the approaches adopted by Via. Delivery and Hubbox. Each of these services introduces a unique facet to the concept of alternative pickup locations, promising efficiency and flexibility in the last mile of delivery.

Shifting our focus to the Lockers category, industry giants such as Amazon Lockers, Parcel Pending and Luxer One showcase the increasing prominence of automated storage solutions. These lockers not only provide a secure and contactless way for customers to collect their parcels but also represent a forward-thinking approach in enhancing the overall delivery experience.

In the BOPIS domain, we consider retail giants like Walmart, Target, Lowes and Home Depot that have revolutionized the in-store pickup model. Offering customers the ability to shop online and retrieve their purchases at a nearby store, BOPIS has become a strategic cornerstone for these retail giants, merging the digital and physical realms seamlessly.

In the realm of Buy Online, Pickup In-Store (BOPIS), some savvy players have taken it up a notch with their in-house Buy Online, Pickup Anywhere (BOPA) solutions. In the last section, we dive deep into the strategies of such players as Zara, Wine.com, and IKEA.

Together, these innovative approaches underscore a paradigm shift in how businesses cater to the evolving preferences of today’s consumers. As we dissect each element — BOPA, Lockers, and BOPIS — we unravel a tapestry of strategies that not only streamline logistics but also redefine the way customers interact with and receive their purchases in an increasingly dynamic retail landscape.

FedEx, a stalwart in the shipping industry, offers a range of options for parcel management. For added flexibility, FedEx may deliver or pick up your packages at a nearby secure location for pickup, such as your local FedEx Office Print & Ship Center (1,860 locations), Walgreens store (8,279 locations) or Dollar General store (9,579 locations). Overall, there are ~22,000 FedEx locations in the United States.

Beyond its extensive delivery network, UPS enhances customer convenience with UPS Access Points. These points serve as accessible hubs for parcel drop-off and pickup, strategically located at retail spots. This means you can seamlessly manage your shipments without the constraints of traditional delivery timelines. UPS says it currently operates more than 16,000 Access Points in the United States (including Michaels, CVS and Advance Auto Parts).

Amazon has revolutionized the concept of pickup locations through its widespread network of Amazon Locker hubs. These strategically placed hubs serve as convenient points for customers to collect their packages, offering a secure and efficient alternative to traditional delivery methods. The Amazon Locker system allows users to choose a location most convenient for them, be it near their workplace, home, or a common commuting route.

Beyond the Locker hubs, Amazon has expanded its pickup locations by leveraging its acquisition of Whole Foods. With the integration of Whole Foods into the Amazon ecosystem, customers can conveniently pick up their Amazon orders at select Whole Foods stores. This synergy between e-commerce giant Amazon and the brick-and-mortar presence of Whole Foods enhances the accessibility of pickup locations for users, providing an added layer of convenience.

Amazon has provided self-service kiosks that are strategically located in public spaces, allowing customers to retrieve their Amazon packages at their convenience. With more than 2,800 lockers in 70+ major American cities, you can easily find them at Whole Foods, 7-Elevens, Rite Aids, etc.

Parcel Pending takes the concept of lockers a step further by specializing in smart lockers for multifamily residential communities, commercial properties, higher education and retail spaces. The parcel locker network now encompasses nearly 18,000 locations around the world, with new package management solutions being deployed across North America, Europe, and Japan.

Nestled next to private housing, their plethora of residential lockers already speaks volumes. But hold on tight, because they’re not just stopping there. Brace yourself for the unveiling of their latest venture—the Open locker network, currently in the works. It’s not just a development; it’s a glimpse into the future of accessible and open-to-all storage solutions.

Luxer One is making waves in the locker industry with its focus on contactless and secure package delivery solutions. Known for its sleek and modern locker designs, Luxer One caters to a range of industries, including retail, multifamily housing, and office spaces. The emphasis on user-friendly interfaces and robust security features sets Luxer One apart in the competitive locker market. Luxer One is elaborating the Open locker network as well as Parcel Pending.

In the vast retail landscape, we’re shining a spotlight on just a handful of the trendsetters.

Walmart’s BOPIS strategy is a testament to its commitment to seamless omnichannel retail. With a vast network of physical stores acting as distribution hubs, Walmart ensures efficient BOPIS order fulfillment. Walmart’s unique feature lies in its ability to leverage its extensive store footprint, enabling customers to access online inventory swiftly and conveniently through in-store pickup.

Target’s BOPIS approach is characterized by precision and personalization. The integration of advanced technology allows Target to synchronize its online platform with in-store operations seamlessly. Target’s app, for instance, provides real-time updates on order status, ensuring customers are well-informed. This personalized touch enhances the overall convenience of the BOPIS experience.

Home Depot’s BOPIS strategy is tailored to empower DIY enthusiasts and home improvement projects. The distinctive feature lies in the specificity of the offerings. Customers can swiftly order construction materials or tools online and pick them up at a nearby store, aligning with the urgency often associated with home improvement projects. Home Depot’s BOPIS strategy serves as a model for catering to the specific needs of a niche market. At HD, you can also always get your order delivered the same day to the in-store lockers.

Any customer can experience the ultimate convenience with Lowe’s Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) option. They should just simply choose Free Pickup and the preferred method of communication during checkout. Notifications are on time — customers receive prompt updates as soon as the order is ready. One can check in for in-store or curbside pickups, or navigate to the locker area. Lowe’s commitment to a smooth and hassle-free experience extends from the online purchase to the moment you pick up the order.

Aside from doing BOPIS, Zara has also collaborated with FedEx and developed a BOPA system that allows you to have your order shipped to a FedEx pickup location. Whether customers choose a flagship store, a local boutique, or even a designated pickup spot in a popular public area, Zara’s BOPA solution is designed to cater to diverse preferences. This flexibility not only aligns with Zara’s commitment to providing a fast and dynamic fashion experience but also empowers customers with the freedom to choose where and how they retrieve their purchases.

Opting for Local Pickup presents the utmost convenience for receiving your Wine.com order. Wine.com will ship your order to one of over 20,000 affiliated locations, allowing you to retrieve it at your convenience. The reach extends beyond FedEx Office outlets to encompass various establishments like Walgreens, Duane Reade, Safeway, Shaws, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, and numerous others. The majority of pickup locations maintain flexible hours, including nights and weekends, with many providing round-the-clock availability.

Сustomers can choose to pick up their parcel deliveries at a secure FedEx location nearby. From its iconic blue-and-yellow stores (BOPIS) to convenient pickup locations strategically positioned in urban areas (BOPA), IKEA ensures that customers can collect their online orders with utmost ease.

Hubbox specializes in Click & Collect services, offering a convenient solution for online shoppers in the United States to select UPS Access Point locations as pickup points during checkout. By exclusively partnering with UPS Access Points, Hubbox allows customers to use their existing UPS shipping rates for easy collection of their online purchases. Notably, the service does not include partnerships with private locker systems or FedEx Hold At Locations, focusing solely on leveraging UPS’s extensive network for a streamlined and reliable delivery experience.

Via.Delivery revolutionizes convenience in the online shopping landscape. With BOPA at the core of its strategy, Via. Delivery allows customers to make purchases from their favorite retailers and pick up their items not just from traditional stores, but from a network of convenient locations. Whether it’s a local convenience store or a gas station, Via. Delivery's extensive pickup points make it easy for customers to integrate their online shopping seamlessly into their daily routines.

The key to Via. Delivery's success lies in its robust logistics network. They partner with a diverse range of businesses and carriers, including Fedex Hold-At-Locations, UPS Access Points program, and private lockers by Parcel Pending, and allow applying either your own negotiated rates or use the shipping rates Vis. Delivery has been offered.

Via.Delivery's technology extends beyond being a cutting-edge checkout solution for platforms such as Shopify, Shopify Plus, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Big Commerce, and others. It also offers compliant shipping label generation, both directly and through integrations with Manhattan Scale, Shipstation, Shiphero, Cart.com, and various OMS/WMS/3PL systems. Additionally, it supports tracking, customer notifications, and provides advanced analytics through comprehensive dashboards.

Via.Delivery aggregates a web of pickup points that caters to the varied needs and preferences of their customer base, and, as the result, BOPA experience that goes beyond the traditional brick-and-mortar stores, giving consumers the power to decide where they want to retrieve their purchases.

And there you have it—the pulse of local pickup in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce. With BOPIS claiming its stake in 40% of online orders and BOPA carving out a niche with 6−25%, the landscape is undeniably shifting. Our BOPA tracking unveils where customers are choosing the option, particularly in the vibrant hubs of Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, New York, Washington, etc.

As we bid farewell to the lingering COVID restrictions, local pickup emerges as a rising star on the e-commerce stage. Now it’s a symbol of adaptability, with customers craving flexibility and e-commerce seeking more effective last-mile alternatives. For those hungry for more data, insights, and statistics, the journey continues at via.delivery/data — where the numbers tell a story of a retail revolution in motion