Schwarz Group Lidl tests parcel click & collect with DHL in Germany | Progresiv
German discounter Lidl will expand its service offer in Germany with the roll-out of 500 parcel lockers by the end of 2019, in partnership with logistics group DHL. The lockers will support both parcel collection and shipment, including return logistics. 80 of the lockers will be used to test a click & collect service for Lidl’s ecommerce operation in the Rhine Neckar region south of Frankfurt. 
Already maintaining a lockers partnership with Aldi, DHL is positioning itself as a leading ecommerce enabler in Germany, building on a current network of 3,700 lockers. This comes at a time when ecommerce leader Amazon is swiftly building out its own logistics capabilities.
Even though Lidl’s online operations are focused on non-food for now, CPGs should be aware of the speed at which ecommerce penetration advances in Germany, already accounting for 19.1% of chain retail sales in 2019. As food ecommerce will become more of a customer expectation in the wake of initiatives from Rewe and Edeka, and with the discounters building ecommerce capabilities, CPGs should prepare for more flexible supply chains and gain insight into replenishment and subscription missions. (www.retailnetgroup.com)
