Parcel Connect, the Fastway-owned pick-up and drop-off and returns network operator, has partnered with Applegreen, adding 120 locations for collecting and returning parcels to its network.
The Parcel Connect network has grown to over 1,300 locations since launch in 2014 and processes some 2.6m parcels annually.
Consumers in Ireland can now collect parcels from Applegreen locations offering click & collect that are signed up to Parcel Collect's collection service, and return parcels to Applegreen stores that have chosen Parcel Collect as a returns partner.
Parcel Connect has announced it will introduce 'Label-less' returns in January, and has estimated 85% of the population of the Republic of Ireland is on average less than 15 minutes from a Parcel Connect location.
Commenting on the Applegreen partnership, Danny Hughes, CEO of Fastway and co-founder of Parcel Connect, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Applegreen to our Parcel Connect network, which complements Applegreen’s market-leading offering.
In Association with
"Both Parcel Connect and Applegreen are strong Irish brands, where local communities, and sustainability informs all aspects of the business. Our partnership with Applegreen is a perfect match.
"Both organisations are on a transformational journey, constantly evolving and looking to offer consumers more choice, convenience, simplicity, and that all important seamless customer experience."
Hughes added: "As e-commerce continues to accelerate, there is an ever-increasing demand from consumers and retailers for a market-leading simple and convenient returns and collection solution, and this is exactly what Parcel Connect offers.
"Add to this, our commitment to enhance our services and choice to both retailers and consumers, and in line with our commitment to our social and environmental responsibilities, I’m excited to share that in January we will be launching Label-Less returns – a more environmentally sustainable returns solution."
Deborah Howell, head of trading at Applegreen Ireland, said, “We are very excited about the collaboration between Applegreen and Parcel Connect. Many of our customers use our stores as a regular stop in their day-to-day busy lives.
"Having the option to return a package on their daily trip to their local Applegreen store makes the returns process that much easier.
"Similarly, the click and collect option allows our customers to receive their packages at their local Applegreen, meaning they can be more flexible around delivery times”
Photo: (l-r) Deborah Howell and Danny Hughes pictured as Parcel Connect joins forces with Applegreen rolling out its Pick-Up, Drop-Off (PUDO) and Returns Network to over 120 locations across Ireland. (Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
