Amazon Expands Network Of Package Pickup Locations

To offer customers more convenient options for delivery, Amazon unveiled the expansion of a network of staffed pickup points called Counter that allows shoppers to pick up packages in-store at a partner location. Customers can now have access to “thousands” of additional Amazon Hub Counter locations with the eCommerce retailer’s new store partners GNC, Stage Stores and Health Mart, according to an announcement.

“The response we’ve heard from our customers and partners after the launch of Counter earlier this year has been tremendous,” Amazon Hub Worldwide Director Patrick Supanc said in the announcement. “This new network of pickup points gives customers a pickup experience that is fast, flexible and convenient, and partners are thrilled with the strong engagement and additional foot traffic Counter is driving for their stores.”

Delivery to a Counter location is available for “the tens of millions of items sold on Amazon.com” per the announcement. It works with Same-Day, One-Day, Two-Day and Standard Shipping. And the retailer noted that the offering is available to all Amazon customers without an additional cost. The Counter offering is part of the Amazon Hub network of pickup locations that also includes Lockers around the country.

According to the announcement, “Amazon designed and built the technology for Counter from the ground-up, resulting in a quick and simple pickup experience for customers.” The offering “easily turns” any size store into a pickup location for millions of the eCommerce retailer’s customers. The retailer also notices that the offerings “intuitive, user-friendly design also enables store staff to efficiently serve customers picking up packages without disrupting their daily activities.”

In separate news, Stein Mart announced earlier this year that it planned to roll out Amazon Hub Lockers at stores in 28 states. Stein Mart Chief Executive Officer Hunt Hawkins said in a May announcement, “Customer service and convenience are top priorities at Stein Mart, and the ability to give both to Amazon customers was a big factor in our decision to introduce this program.” The company said shipping to the lockers at its locations is “easy, secure and available at no additional cost.”