Delivery company DPD opens a customer-oriented hub
What: Non-retailing companies are increasingly opening retail locations to face their customers directly and for brand-building purpose.
Why it is important: This particular example could be of a great value in a department store and would easily replace some shipping lounges which are getting tired in some of the stores we visited (Stockmann in Finland for instance).
German courier company has opened a first physical retail store in Berlin, which combines frictionless services for customers as well as brand-building.
In this concept store, shoppers can open their parcels, try-on directly the products and return them if needed. They can also recycle their packaging or get old ones for free if they want to make a shipment. The place also includes a coffee bar and lockers.
It is seen as an interesting example of customer-facing element built on top of a fulfillment centre, giving visibility and personality to something which would have been otherwise a "dark" location.