The Co-operative has teamed up with Hermes to provide a new parcel sending and collection service from its Food stores.

The ParcelShop service will provide shoppers with an effective means of sending personal and business parcels, returning unwanted Internet purchases and to specify their local Co-op store as an alternative delivery address, it said.

Following a successful pilot in 42 stores, the service is today being extended to up to 450 outlets across the UK, making the Co-op one of Hermes’ biggest business partners.

Co-op retail and logistics director Chris Whitfield said: “As a community retailer we are committed to enhancing the communities in which we operate.

“The pilot scheme clearly demonstrated that the Hermes ParcelShop service is used and appreciated by many of our customers and so we are delighted to extend it to many more stores.” 

Carole Woodhead, CEO of Hermes, said: “This partnership focuses on convenience, with consumers being able to buy groceries whilst also sending parcels, collecting or returning their online purchases, and vice versa.”