Richmond Hill Post Office–Interiors and exteriors of a new Canada Post retail location in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Tuesday, October 13, 2015. CANADA POST CORPORATION PHOTO/The Canadian Press Images/Aaron Vincent Elkaim
In announcement ahead of the busy holiday parcel season, Canada Post unveiled a drive-thru parcel centre that opened in Richmond Hill Ontario.
“Two of its many innovations – a drive-thru for parcel pickup and a fitting room – are the first of their kind in any postal outlet in North America,” Canada Post said in a news release.
Some of the innovative options available at the new Canada Post Parcel Centres:
Drive-thru parcel pickup
Customers never have to get out of their car. At the welcome kiosk, they simply scan the barcode on their smartphone or paper pickup notice, then drive ahead to receive the item at the pickup window. (The canopy will protect them and their item in bad weather). If the parcel is big or heavy, staff will place it in the customer’s vehicle.
All-in-one self-serve shipping station
A unique technology lets customers send their parcels anywhere in Canada 24/7. Using a touch screen, the customer selects their parcel service, scans their item for weight and size, pays by debit or credit card and prints their shipping label. Once they scan the barcoded label and place the parcel in the drop box, a receipt confirms the item is on its way, and ready for them to track online.
Richmond Hill Post Office–Interiors and exteriors of a new Canada Post retail location in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Tuesday, October 13, 2015. CANADA POST CORPORATION PHOTO/The Canadian Press Images/Aaron Vincent Elkaim
A fitting room
Customers can try on the outfit they bought online right away to see if it is right for them. The spacious 50-square-foot private space is equipped with a full mirror and a small bench – like any retail store. If the item isn’t right for them, they have the added convenience of being able to return it immediately.
Self-serve vending kiosk
Customers can buy stamps, shipping supplies such as PriorityTM Prepaid and XpresspostTM Prepaid envelopes or bubble envelopes, gift cards and more. The user-friendly self-serve transactions are quick and customers can avoid lineups at the counter
Retail pods (Canada Post Handout)
Extended hours
While the self-serve kiosks and shipping stations are in a section that’s open 24/7, the centre’s extended full-service hours for the drive-thru, the fitting room and more complex transactions with the help of our staff are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Rent a pop-up store
The store also offers free Wifi and larger postal boxes for customers. Canada Post can also rent space in the store to other retailers to open a pop-up store, or short-term sales outlet – an emerging retail trend.
