ParcelShop services are no longer available in hundreds of Tesco Express stores across the United Kingdom after Tesco Express ends Evri ParcelShop Service. The retail giant will phase out Evri’s in-store drop-off and collection services by the end of 2025. This move is a dramatic shift in Tesco’s strategy on customer convenience schemes and parcel delivery partners.
Tesco Express ends Evri ParcelShop Service
To provide customers with a convenient way to return, send, or pick up parcels while doing their groceries, Tesco initially introduced Evri (formerly Hermes) ParcelShop services in its Express stores. Throughout the pandemic, the service became popular as consumers sought convenient delivery options, and online shopping rose. Tesco leveraged its nationwide coverage to meet the growing demand for online retailing.
However, Tesco began reevaluating its in-store services to align with changing customer priorities and operational efficiency as customer behaviour shifted after the epidemic.
Tesco End the Partnership
For several operational and strategic reasons, Tesco chose to end its collaboration with Evri. Space limitations, logistical difficulties, and a fresh emphasis on Tesco’s core business operations all contributed to the decision.
- Space Limitation
Tesco Express outlets have limited floor space, primarily suited to short shopping trips. The expansion of parcel drop-off and collection points required additional space for customer service and storage. This, in turn, caused congestion and disrupted Tesco Express’s vision of providing a quick shopping experience.
With the planned removal of Evri ParcelShop terminals, Tesco aims to enhance overall customer flow and maximize space for higher-margin products, further aligning with the store’s evolving strategy.
2. Core Retail Services
Tesco intends to prioritize offering fresh food, groceries, and household necessities. Maintaining in-store parcel operations, according to the corporation, diverts personnel and resources from important retail tasks.
By discontinuing the Evri service, Tesco can refocus its employees on areas that directly impact consumer satisfaction and profitability, such as inventory management, shop presentation, and customer service.
3. Operational Services
ParcelShop operations posed logistical challenges, including managing parcel storage, resolving tracking issues, and handling customer enquiries. Store operations were slowed down by these non-retail duties, especially at peak hours.
By streamlining everyday processes, Tesco hopes to improve overall store performance and free employees to focus solely on retail duties.
4. Changing Consumer Behavior
Since the pandemic, consumer behaviour has changed dramatically. The need for in-store parcel pickup has declined as more individuals work from home. While automated lockers and dedicated courier locations are now favoured for speed and convenience, home deliveries are becoming increasingly popular.
Recognizing these shifts, Tesco chose to adapt by focusing on refurbished solutions that better serve customer needs and encourage operational sustainability, underscoring its strategy of staying responsive to consumers.
Evri Response
Evri assured consumers that its large network remains strong while affirming Tesco’s decision to end the ParcelShop service. Through other retail partners such as Co-op, Morrisons, and independent retailers, the courier company continues to operate more than 10,000 ParcelShops across the United Kingdom.
Evri emphasized that, to ensure clients experience as little disruption as possible during the transition, it will work closely with Tesco.
The company plans to expand its network by adding new partners and enhancing self-service at existing stores.
Impact on Customers
Thousands of shoppers who combine supermarket shopping with parcel deliveries or returns will be affected by the closure of Evri ParcelShop counters at Tesco Express stores. Tesco has stated it will manage the transition carefully.
Customers will need to adapt to home delivery options or opt for alternative Evri locations. Tesco has vowed to ensure a smooth phase-out and inform of changes in advance.
