Independent retailers will be hit hard by Royal Mail’s parcel pick-up service

Independent retailers will be hit hard by Royal Mail’s parcel pick-up service
Royal Mail's new parcel pick up service could hit independent retailers hard

Independent retailers will be hit hard by Royal Mail’s new parcel pick-up service. The Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) says the new parcel collection service announced by Royal Mail will be a severe blow to many of its members.

Royal Mail’s Collect Plus will see postal workers pick up packages directly from customers at their doors for a fee of 72p per parcel, in addition to postage costs.

Loss of revenue

Many smaller independent retailers already offer a parcel collection and return service to customers during opening hours, and will lose vital revenue because of the move by Royal Mail, says the NFRN.

NFRN National President Stuart Reddish said using local stores for parcel collections and returns has a number of advantages in terms of convenience. Stores are open for up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, as opposed to having to book a time slot and be at home for the new Royal Mail service. Also, for many people, a visit to their local convenience store is the only time they go out.

Unwelcome move

Mr Reddish added: “Parcels are an important source of revenue for many of our members, and this is an unwelcome move at such a challenging time.

“Independent retailers have really stepped up to the mark during the Covid-19 pandemic, going above and beyond to serve their communities, and should be supported as much as possible.”

Royal Mail says “Postal workers are set to pick up parcels straight from the doorstep and take them to the mailing office themselves.

It marks the biggest change to the service since post boxes first appeared on streets in 1852, and has been introduced to keep up with the demand for online shopping.