Amazon has announced the U.S. launch of Counter, a network of staffed pickup points that give customers the option to pick up packages either in-store or at a partner location.
Initial outposts will be located in more than a hundred Rite Aid stores; by the end of the year, the service will roll out across 1,500 additional locations. The company is actively looking to bring on additional partners, including small and midsize businesses and large chains.
Counter delivery is available for same-, one- and two-day shipping, as well as standard, at no extra cost. After shopping on Amazon.com, customers proceed to check out and select one of the Counter pickup points available in their zip code as the delivery location.
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After the package has arrived in-store, customers will receive an e-mail notification with a unique barcode, and a reminder of the address and business hours of their selected store. At the store, customers provide the staff with their barcode; the staff will scan it, retrieve the package and hand it to the customer. Customers have two weeks to collect their package.
The service initially launched in the U.K. with NEXT and in Italy with Giunti Al Punto Librerie, Fermopoint and SisalPay stores.
“Amazon is always looking for innovative and convenient ways for customers to ship and receive their orders,” said Patrick Supanc, worldwide director of Amazon Hub. “With Counter, we’ve leveraged our growing logistics network and invested in new, easy to use technology to give customers yet another delivery option rooted in flexibility and control. We are excited to partner with national businesses like Rite Aid, and local businesses in the future, to create an outstanding experience for our shared customers.”
“Creating a seamless, convenient customer experience is a key element of our strategy and digital transformation,” said Jocelyn Konrad, executive vice president, pharmacy and retail operations, Rite Aid. “Being the first store partner for Counter in the U.S. is a differentiator for Rite Aid and we believe our partnership with Amazon, that includes Locker, creates a stronger in-store experience for existing customers and new customers that come in to pick up their packages.”
For more information visit www.amazon.com/counter.
