Parcel lockers are transforming the way businesses handle order fulfillment. From click & collect to reverse logistics, they offer a reliable, secure, and self-service solution that reduces staff strain and enhances the customer experience. In this article, we’ll explain how parcel lockers work, what technologies power them, and how they benefit industries like retail, grocery, pharmacy, and charitable food distribution.
What is a parcel locker?
A parcel locker is a secure, self-service storage unit where packages can be deposited and retrieved at the recipient’s convenience. Each locker is connected to a central system that verifies, notifies, and unlocks compartments based on secure access methods like PINs, QR codes, or app triggers. Parcel lockers are typically located indoors or outdoors at retail sites, fulfillment centres, supermarkets, or community hubs.
How parcel lockers work
At Click n Collect, our parcel lockers are designed using a human-centred approach to make the experience simple and intuitive—whether you're loading dozens of orders or picking up a single return.
- Step 1 – Load or drop-off
Orders are loaded into the locker by staff or couriers. Each order is tied to a unique access code or barcode.
- Step 2 – Notify the recipient
The system automatically sends a notification via SMS, email, or in-app message with collection instructions and a secure pickup code.
- Step 3 – Collect at your convenience
Customers use the touchscreen or fast-scan feature to unlock their locker. LED lights help guide them to the correct door, and our lockers auto-close for added security and temperature control.
Optional – Return via locker
Our parcel lockers also support contactless returns. Customers can scan a return barcode and deposit the item into a designated compartment, streamlining reverse logistics.
Smart security features
Our systems include:
- Self-closing, auto-locking doors
- One-time-use PINs and QR codes
- CCTV integration for outdoor locations
- Tamper alerts and door status monitoring
- Optional age-verification technology for restricted goods
These features protect your stock, reduce shrink, and improve accountability without adding complexity for your staff or customers.
Types of parcel lockers
Not all parcel lockers are the same. We offer:
- Parcel lockers: For general merchandise and dry goods. Perfect for retail, apparel, books, or packaged goods.
- Controlled-ambient lockers: For grocery or pharmaceuticals where stable, non-refrigerated temperature is required.
- Temperature-controlled lockers: Refrigerated, frozen, and even heated options available for industries requiring food-safe storage.
Explore locker types here:
Benefits for businesses
Parcel lockers are more than just convenient—they’re operationally strategic. Businesses use them to:
- Reduce staff workload during peak trading hours
- Extend trading hours via 24/7 collection
- Minimise customer wait times with contactless fulfillment
- Enable unattended handovers in-store or curbside
- Reduce theft and lost items through secure access controls
Where Click n Collect fits in
We’re trusted by major retailers, grocers, and nonprofits to deliver:
- Modular, scalable locker configurations
- Weather-resistant outdoor units with LED roof lighting
- Brandable finishes and flexible access options
- Integrations with POS, ERP, and ecommerce platforms
- Reporting, remote management, and analytics tools
Looking for more insights?
Check out these helpful guides to get the most out of your smart locker strategy.
Want help finding the right system? Get in touch or visit our resources page for buyer’s guides by industry.
