Asda has launched what it claims is the UK’s first automated parcel tower in its store at Trafford Park in Manchester in a new trial for the company.
The unit dispenses online orders in less than 60 seconds and accepts returns and is already widely used by Asda’s parent company Walmart in the US. Customers can not only collect and return George.com orders but also third-party partners such as Asos, Missguided and Decathlon from Asda’s ‘toyou’ delivery service.
The 16ft foot tall and 8ft wide automated parcel tower acts as a giant parcel vending machine and is located inside the store. When in the store customers scan a barcode sent to their smartphone at the Parcel Tower to receive their order.
In the US more than 100 of the towers have been installed. Neil Drake, Asda’s toyou – retail process, systems and innovation manager, said: “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.”
“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.”
Stephen Clinton, store Manager at Asda Trafford Park, said initial response had already been hugely positive, serving 1,500 customers in less than a week. “We’re delighted to be the first store in the UK to trial the Parcel Tower for our customers. We have seen a fantastic response to the quick service in the past few days and we hope it continues,” he said.
Image credit: Asda
