Blue Dart on Thursday opened a round the clock parcel locker facility in Gurgaon with plans to expand to top 10 metros as the logistics services major aims to cash in on the explosive growth in the e-tailing market.
Global logistics giant DHl, which holds 75 per cent stake in Blue Dart Express, was the first to launch this service in developed markets. It was introduced in Germany in 2001 and at present has over 4 million active users with more than 2,750 parcel lockers. The concept has also been adopted in the US and other European markets, Blue Dart Express Head of Marketing Ketan Kulkarni told PTI.
With the Indian e-tailing industry projected to grow at 52 per cent from 2014 to 2020, the sector has been witnessing phenomenal demand from across India. Parcel locker will allow recipients of parcels to collect their shipments from this facility 24-hours a day, the firm said.
When asked about the firm's plans for the facility, he said: “We will be expanding this in the near future (less than a year) to the top 10 metro cities in India including Delhi and the National Capital Region.”
This mechanism will benefit e-tail customers who may not be present during regular delivery hours and can collect their shipments from the locker at any time as per convenience. The service will also be beneficial for those who travel often, especially during the festive season around the corner, he said.