European parcels operator GLS has opened its first six parcel shops in the Netherlands andunveiled plans for a chain of 800 outlets across the country. It aims to have 200 shop-in-shop
parcel points in operation by the end of this year. The move is part of the overall plan for theB2B specialist to build up its B2C services over the next few years with a European retailnetwork.The parcel shops operate as shop-in-shop services within retail outlets. GLS said that its testpartner for four of the initial six parcel shops is Europart, a specialist in replacementcomponents for domestic and electronic equipment with 100 Dutch outlets. The 15 Dutch GLS depotswill also offer the service.
“With the parcel shops we offer a practical and time-saving alternative to the post office. Withthe opening of the parcel shops we expect a considerable increase in our volumes,” said GLSNetherlands managing director Aart Bon.
Items handed in at the parcel shops are generally delivered within one working day in theNetherlands, and through the rest of the European Union in 24-96 hours. Prices are calculated onsize rather than weight, with five price categories, and tracking and tracing is also offered.
GLS already has some 3,000 parcel shops in Germany and plans 2,000 more. Locations have alsobeen opened in Austria, Ireland, Portugal and Hungary.
