Russia's X5 Retail Group has announced a joint venture with PickPoint to develop a network of parcel lockers across the retail group.
Commenting on the partnership, X5's director for strategic business development, Igor Pletnev, said, "By partnering with PickPoint, one of Russia's leading express delivery companies, we are seeking to maximise locker usage and increase parcel delivery from major online retailers."
The 50:50 joint venture will be registered as a new company, and is expected to operate 1,500 parcel lockers by the end of 2019.
'Last-Mile Logistics'
Chief executive of PickPoint, Nadezhda Romanova, said, "This joint venture between PickPoint and X5 Retail Group will help expand last-mile logistics infrastructure and enhance e-commerce opportunities in Russia.
"Our next step is to open up the locker network operated by PickPoint to third-party online delivery companies."
Presently, X5 operates more than 1,700 lockers and pick-up points across its retail chains, operated mostly by PickPoint through its unified sales network.
Since the launch of its first pick-up point in June of 2018, the retail giant has delivered around 300,000 parcels to customers.
PickPoint operates around 5,500 parcel lockers and pick-up points in over 540 cities and towns across Russia.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
