Ecommerce giant Amazon has reportedly introduced a new package pickup service, known as Amazon Counter, that enables retailers to manage the collection of parcels for customers and increase their footfall. Apparently, the idea behind this move is that the customers entering the store to collect a parcel might end up purchasing other items.

Apparently, the very first Amazon Counter was introduced in the U.K. and Italian markets in early May, but now is focused towards expanding its services to the American population. The company mentioned that the service will be open for all Amazon customers and will be available in more than 100 Rite Aid Stores, with the goal to expand to over 1,500 outlets by the end of the year through teaming up with additional businesses and retailers.

Jocelyn Konrad, Executive Vice President for pharmacy and retail operations, Rite Aid, was quoted saying that their partnership with Amazon will create a stronger in-store experience for existing as well as new customers.

Citing reliable sources, there doesn’t seem to be any major changes in terms of how the customers place orders. At the time of checkout, they can now opt for their preferable Amazon Counter location as the delivery address. On the arrival of the package, customers will receive an email notification containing a barcode that enables them to collect the parcel.

It has been reported that the company has launched a separate app for retailers to help them effectively manage delivered parcels and identify correct parcel without the assistance of internet.

It has come to the fore that Counter is actually a component of Amazon’s approach towards meeting the increasing demand for flexible and fast deliveries, which includes its already rolled-out in-home delivery service, in-car delivery service and in-garage delivery service. Counter has become the latest offering in Amazon’s wide array of delivery services, such as Apartment Locker and Amazon Locker, sources remarked.

Source credit: https://venturebeat.com/2019/06/27/amazon-brings-counter-package-pickup-to-the-u-s-starting-with-rite-aid/