The Federation of Independent Retailers (Fed) has slammed InPost’s decision to scrap over-the-counter (OTC) parcel services as “short-sighted” and a “kick in the teeth” to the sector.
Last month, the parcel company informed retailers it would be transitioning away from counter services across the UK from June to solely focus on its automated locker solution due to their “enhanced convenience and efficiency”.
The Fed, however, has warned the move could inadvertently divert footfall from stores, with lockers located outside the premises. Other stores will “simply not have the space” to install lockers, it added.
“This decision by InPost will have a significant impact on many of our members’ stores, so it’s very disappointing that we were not even consulted about it,” said The Fed national president Mo Razzaq.
“As the leading trade association for independent retailers, and an organisation that publicly welcomed InPost’s acquisition of Menzies Distribution just a few months ago, we would have expected to be part of any conversation that affects so many of our members so directly.
“One of the main reasons independent retailers offer an OTC parcel service is to drive footfall into their stores. By having lockers outside the premises, it removes the need for people collecting or dropping off parcels to go into the shop at all and may also inadvertently contribute to the decline in the affected stores, some of which may be forced to withdraw from offering news and magazine services altogether.
“Many of the stores that currently use InPost for OTC parcel services simply do not have the space to install lockers. If you own a store on a terrace of shops, for example, where are you supposed to put them? The lockers are also an easy target for vandalism and graffiti.
“We have requested an urgent meeting with InPost’s senior leadership team at the earliest opportunity to discuss the implications of this change and to explore a way forward that works for all parties.”
An InPost spokesman said: ”As part of InPost’s expansion into Pick Up Drop Off (PUDO) locations through our partnership with Paypoint, we are redesigning our network to ensure we have the best coverage and will be growing rapidly to over 6,000 PUDO locations.
“As part of the expansion, we are reviewing the location fit and whilst the overall growth in the network is great news for shop owners in general, there will be a very small proportion of individual stores who will be impacted. However, where possible, we will offer the opportunity to host one of our popular locker solutions or join the Paypoint network.
”As always, we are committed to supporting and working with our retail partners and significantly growing our OOH network across PUDO and lockers.”
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