Amazon launches Counter in the US

Amazon has launched Counter in the US. Counter is a new network of staffed pick-up points that gives customers the option to pick up their Amazon packages in-store at a partner location.

In the US, Counter went live in more than 100 Rite Aid pharmacies, with thousands of additional locations to be announced soon. Counter is part of the Amazon Hub family, which includes Locker, Locker+ and Apartment Locker, designed to bring the ultimate convenience to customers via pick-up and return points.

Delivery to a Counter location is available for products sold on Amazon.com and works with same-day, one-day, two-day and standard shipping options. The service is available to all customers at no extra cost.

Amazon has designed and built the technology for Counter from the ground up, resulting in a quick and simple package pick-up experience for customers. For store partners, Counter’s straightforward pick-up flow and user-friendly technology helps ensure store associates can serve customers without disrupting their daily activities.

“Amazon is always looking for innovative and convenient ways for customers to ship and receive their orders,” said Patrick Supanc, worldwide director, Amazon Hub. “With Counter, we’ve leveraged our growing logistics network and invested in new, easy to use technology to give customers yet another delivery option rooted in flexibility and control. We are excited to partner with national businesses like Rite Aid, and local businesses in the future, to create an outstanding experience for our shared customers.”

“Creating a seamless, convenient customer experience is a key element of our strategy and digital transformation,” added Jocelyn Konrad, executive vice president, pharmacy and retail operations of Rite Aid. “Being the first store partner for Counter in the US 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.”

Shipping to a Counter pickup point is easy and secure. After shopping on Amazon.com, customers proceed to checkout and select one of the Counter pick-up points available in their zip code as their delivery location. As soon as their package arrives at the store, customers receive an e-mail notification with a unique barcode as well as a reminder of the address and the business hours of their selected store. At the store, customers provide the barcode to store staff, who will scan it, retrieve the package and hand it to the customer. Customers have 14 days to collect their package.

Counter originally launched in the UK with NEXT and in Italy with Giunti Al Punto Librerie, Fermopoint and SisalPay stores. The service has been positively received, driving strong customer engagement and additional foot traffic for partners.