CollectPlus, the store-based parcel delivery and returns service, has revealed plans to expand its network by 33% - from 5,500 to 7,500 stores in the next 12 months, with a longer-term aspiration of achieving 12,000 stores and becoming a more convenient option to the Post Office.

The news comes as the company prepares to celebrate its fifth birthday, and follows a 25% network growth last year off the back of record online retail sales and volumes, with a growing element of volume driven by mobile sales.

Founded in 2009, CollectPlus has grown rapidly, with over 5,500 convenience stores, newsagents, supermarkets and petrol stations currently offering the CollectPlus service.

Neil Ashworth, CEO of CollectPlus, said: “Our philosophy has always been to make life easier for our customers. Whether a customer is returning, sending or collecting one or several parcels, we want them to have the best possible experience from start to finish. As such, we are committed to expanding the CollectPlus network to ensure our unique offering is available wherever our customers are, and in stores that have the capacity and ability to deliver a great service even during busy times.

“The CollectPlus network has been strategically developed to incorporate the best local stores, which are close to where our customers spend their time on a daily basis, whether that is their home or place of work. We are now providing returns solutions for over 260 retail brands, resulting in an ever-growing and wide-ranging customer base. We’re extremely proud that as we approach our fifth birthday we are accelerating our network coverage and will be almost two thirds the size of the Post Office this time next year, which in its current form has been around for nearly 30 years. Furthermore, we are working towards a longer-term goal of having 12,000 stores in our network and strengthening our position as the largest store-based parcel service.”

Ashworth added: “The internet gives shoppers the ability to browse and purchase goods whenever and wherever they like. However, we know from our own research that inflexible deliveries can damage the overall shopping experience for customers. Part of the appeal of shopping online is the convenience it offers, but as well as being able to make their purchases when they want, people also want to be able to get their goods at a time and a place that suits them.”

As part of its 2014 expansion plans, CollectPlus last month unveiled its new integrated marketing campaign – which includes TV, TV Sponsorship, Radio, PPC, Display, Digital out-of-home (OOH), Search, PR and Social. The campaign takes CollectPlus into new territory with its first TV advertising, as it looks to become a household name.

The advert highlights the number and variety of CollectPlus parcel stores by showing them wrapped as parcels and is running over five weeks across satellite TV. CollectPlus is also sponsoring Pick TV until 23rd May with a series of idents, plus there will be digital advertising in CollectPlus stores offering new customers 20% off their first CollectPlus purchase at collectplus.co.uk.

CollectPlus is a joint venture between PayPoint, the retail payment network, and the parcel delivery company Yodel.

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