Parcel delivery firm Evri has announced plans to double its network of ParcelShops and lockers to 25,000 locations by 2030.

To enable this growth, Evri said it will invest over £50 million to launch an owned, in-house network of smart lockers.

Evri said it will roll out 10,000 lockers as part of its network expansion to support its continued growth with UK retailers and marketplaces.

Evri currently has a network of more than 10,000 ParcelShops and lockers, which includes its flagship independent shop network, Post Office branches and corporate partners such as Co-op.

Evri said all lockers in its network will have high-quality hardware with a label printer, drop box, parcel detection sensors, and will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The company added that customers will benefit from a best-in-class user experience with the option for a completely contactless experience through geo-based Near Field Communication.

Customers will also be able to see a pre-arrival capacity indicator to ensure there is space, before making a journey.

Evri said it intends to continue the growth of its ParcelShop network of independent convenience stores, with retailers able to offer Evri lockers, alongside ParcelShops, at the point of sale in the online shopping experience.
The company said it will hit the 2,000 locker milestone before Christmas 2025.

“We are committed to offering greater delivery choices for the consumers, retail clients, and businesses that we serve,” said Martijn de Lange, chief executive of Evri. “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.”

In April, Evri announced plans to trial a robot delivery dog later in what it described as an industry first.

The four-legged robot will work in partnership with a courier to deliver parcels in the summer, with the technology able to hop in and out of a van for deliveries.

The robot has been developed by Swiss physical AI provider RIVR.

The trial aims to gain insight into how the robot can work with couriers to improve efficiency support with some of the "more strenuous parts of the job."

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