Amazon debuts Counter at Rite Aid stores
Amazon and Rite Aid are working together to bring a network of staffed Amazon pick-up points to Rite Aid stores. Amazon Counter, which debuted at more than 100 Rite Aid stores Thursday, allows shoppers the option to pick up their Amazon packages at a retail location. Amazon shoppers now will have the option for Delivery to Counter via same-day, one-day, two-day and standard shipping at no extra cost.
Amazon said Counter was rolled out in the United Kingdom via NEXT and in Italy via Giunti Al Punto Liberie, Fermopoint and SisalPay stores, with the results showing positive reception, strong consumer engagement and additional foot traffic for retail partners. Amazon and Rite Aid plan to bring more than 1,500 Counter locations to Rite Aid stores by the end of 2019, and bring additional small and midsize chains on board. The partnership builds on Rite Aid’s existing relationship with Amazon that has seen more than 300 Amazon Lockers installed in Rite Aid stores.
“Creating a seamless, convenient customer experience is a key element of our strategy and digital transformation,” said Jocelyn Konrad, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy and retail operations. “Being the first store partner for Counter in the U.S. is a differentiator for Rite Aid and we believe our partnership with Amazon, that includes Locker, creates a stronger in-store experience for existing customers and new customers that come in to pick up their packages.”
Using Ship to Counter, Amazon shoppers can select the nearest location using their zip code and they are notified via email when their package arrives that includes a unique barcode and the address and business hours of the selected store. Store staff can scan the email, retrive the package and relay it to the customer.
Counter, like Amazon Lockers, is part of the Amazon hub family, Amazon said.
Amazon said Counter was rolled out in the United Kingdom via NEXT and in Italy via Giunti Al Punto Liberie, Fermopoint and SisalPay stores, with the results showing positive reception, strong consumer engagement and additional foot traffic for retail partners. Amazon and Rite Aid plan to bring more than 1,500 Counter locations to Rite Aid stores by the end of 2019, and bring additional small and midsize chains on board. The partnership builds on Rite Aid’s existing relationship with Amazon that has seen more than 300 Amazon Lockers installed in Rite Aid stores.
“Creating a seamless, convenient customer experience is a key element of our strategy and digital transformation,” said Jocelyn Konrad, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy and retail operations. “Being the first store partner for Counter in the U.S. is a differentiator for Rite Aid and we believe our partnership with Amazon, that includes Locker, creates a stronger in-store experience for existing customers and new customers that come in to pick up their packages.”
Using Ship to Counter, Amazon shoppers can select the nearest location using their zip code and they are notified via email when their package arrives that includes a unique barcode and the address and business hours of the selected store. Store staff can scan the email, retrive the package and relay it to the customer.
Counter, like Amazon Lockers, is part of the Amazon hub family, Amazon said.