GLS Ireland has integrated around 200 new service points into its existing GLS ParcelShop network thanks to a partnership with ParcelDirect.ie. The company collaborates with an association of Spar supermarkets and filling stations to ensure good supply in rural areas. Thanks to this cooperation, GLS Ireland has expanded its network for private individuals and small-scale business shippers to almost 400 ParcelShops spread throughout the entire country.
ParcelShops are an alternative delivery address where online shoppers who are at work during the day can have their parcels delivered. They are also a drop-off point for returns. According to GLS, they play an important role in the booming e-commerce business, particularly at Christmas time, when the number of orders increases. With its FlexDeliveryService, now connecting 22 countries, GLS gives parcel recipients the option to have their orders sent to a ParcelShop of their choice or set a specific delivery time, for example. If the merchant chooses ShopReturnService, consumers can drop off returns in ParcelShops free of charge. Both FlexDeliveryService and ShopReturnService are available for international parcels. GLS carries out international returns between Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg and Poland.
“Web shops and their customers particularly stand to benefit from the expansion of our network”, says Andreas Rickert, Managing Director of GLS Ireland.
In the financial year 2018/19 GLS transported 634m parcels.
Source: GLS Group
