Asda speeds ups click and collect service with automated parcel tower

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jan 5, 2018

Asda is stepping ups its multichannel game with the installation of an automated parcel tower which dispenses parcels from online orders in less than 60 seconds.

Installed at the retailer’s Trafford Park store, the launch of the 16ft tall and 8ft wide tower comes after a successful trial by Asda parent company Walmart across the US.

Customers can pick up online orders from the retailer’s fashion brand George at Asda, as well as selected third party partners including Asos, Missguided and Decathlon. Additionally, the Parcel Tower accepts returns.

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Dubbed the UK’s first automated Parcel Tower, the technology works by scanning a barcode that has been previously sent to the customers’ smartphone. It holds up to 500 parcels and has already served 1,500 customers, according to the company.

“It’s great that we’ve been able to work with our parent company Walmart in the US to bring this new exciting technology to the UK, so far it’s been a huge success for them,” said Neil Drake, Asda’s Toyou  Retail Process, Systems and Innovation Manager.

“We know speed and convenience are important factors to customers and partners of our toyou service, and we’re always looking for new ways to bring that to them. The Parcel Towers are the latest example of how we’re using new technology to save our customers time and money.”

In addition to offering a quicker and more convenient way to collect parcels, the initiative expands Asda’s ‘toyou’ service, which uses minute-by-minute tracking and allows consumers to return or collect purchases from third party online retailers at more than 600 Asda stores.

The Parcel Tower has been rolled out at 100 Walmart stores across the US.