Three new “concept stores” operated by Canada Post have opened their doors across the country.
Described by the Crown corporation as “the first of their kind in North America,” each store allows Canada Post to test new services and “try fresh ways of meeting the evolving needs of online shoppers.”
“Customer convenience is at the forefront of everything that goes into our concept stores. Whether you’re using the post office to pick up an online purchase, or for small business needs, our goal is to provide easy access to practical solutions and services whenever you need them,” reads a statement issued by Canada Post last week.
“Canada Post delivers two out of every three parcels Canadians order online, which means we’re quickly becoming the trusted face of thousands of online retailers,” said Doug Ettinger, Canada Post’s chief commercial officer. “These new stores signify the importance we place on that relationship and the need to evolve to serve Canadians’ changing postal needs.”
SELF-SERVE SHIPPING STATIONS
Two of the most popular concept store features are self-serve shipping stations and parcel drop boxes, which allow customers to prepare and send parcels whenever it’s convenient.
At the touch-screen shipping stations, customers can select their desired service, scan items for weight and size, pay with credit or debit cards and print a shipping label. Once the shipping label is applied, the next step is to scan the parcel and place it inside the secure drop box. Customers will receive an immediate confirmation receipt with online tracking information.
“Some concept stores offer enhanced features, such as an on-site fitting room with full-length mirror where customers can try on online clothing purchases right away, and arrange to return whatever doesn’t fit,” reads the Crown corporation’s statement.
“For the ultimate in convenience, drive-thru parcel centres give customers the option of never having to get out of their car. Simply scan the barcode on your pickup notice at the welcome kiosk, then pull up to the pick-up window to collect your parcel. There’s even overhead protection from bad weather. If your item is heavy or bulky, our staff will place it in your vehicle.”
The stores also include vending machines that sell stamps, prepaid envelopes and shipping supplies.
THREE FULL-SCALE STORES
Canada Post currently operates three full-scale concept store locations at:
- the Richmond Hill Drive-Thru Parcel Centre on 8889 Yonge St. in Richmond Hill, Ont.;
- the Edmonton Drive-Thru Parcel Centre on 17310 99th Ave. in Edmonton, Alta.; and
- the Vancouver Main Post Office on 495 West Georgia St. in Vancouver, B.C.
SELF-SERVE SHIPPING
Locations that are not concept stores but feature self-serve shipping include:
- the Vancouver Bentall Centre Post Office on 595 Burrard St. in Vancouver, B.C.;
- the West Georgia Post Office on 710 Granville St. in Vancouver, B.C.;
- the Wood Street Post Office on 465 Yonge St. in Toronto, Ont.;
- the Dundas Square Post Office on 279 Yonge St. in Toronto, Ont.;
- the Ottawa Postal Station B on 59 Sparks St. in Ottawa, Ont.; and
- the St. Andre Post Office on 901 rue Ste-Catherine E. in Montreal, Que.