Evri is investing more than £50m to roll out 10,000 smart parcel lockers across the UK in a move to double its out-of-home delivery network by 2030.

The parcel delivery company currently operates more than 10,000 ParcelShops and lockers, including locations in independent shops, Post Office branches and corporate partners such as Co-op. The company plans to grow this network to 25,000 by the end of the decade, with a target of reaching 2,000 locker locations by Christmas 2025.

The expansion follows a 500% year-on-year increase in locker usage, a trend Evri expects will continue as consumer demand for convenient delivery options rises.

All new lockers will include label printers, drop boxes and parcel detection sensors, and will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The smart lockers will also offer contactless access and show whether there’s space available before a customer makes a journey.

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Evri said the rollout supports faster, more convenient and environmentally friendly parcel deliveries, as part of a wider strategy to offer flexible delivery options to homes, workplaces, ParcelShops, and lockers.

As it grows its network, Evri is looking for retail partners and convenience stores to host a locker location. Retailers will be able to offer Evri lockers, alongside ParcelShops, at the point of sale in the online shopping experience.

Martijn de Lange, chief executive of Evri, said: “This major multi-million-pound investment will establish one of the UK’s largest pick up, drop off networks as part of our mission to become the UK’s premier parcel delivery business.

“Our expanding network of locations is shaping the future of parcel delivery in the UK with smart technology and greater accessibility.”

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