Asda installs parcel vending machine tower in UK first

Asda has become the first retailer in the UK to install a tower that works as an automated parcel vending machine, after a successful trial by parent company Walmart in the US.

The tower, which set up at Asda’s Trafford Park store last week and is 16ft tall and 8ft wide, acts as a giant vending machine that can hold up to 500 parcels and allows customers to collect online orders as well as take returns.

Customers can choose from thousands of items available online from George, Asda’s fashion fascia, and select the store at checkout to collect it from the tower.

When customers visit the store, they scan a barcode sent to their smartphone at the Parcel Tower to receive their order within 60 seconds.

The service is also available for selected third party partners including Asos, Missguided and Decathlon.

Trafford Park’s Parcel Tower has already served 1500 local customers already.

More than 100 of these towers have been installed across Walmat stores in the US, and there is a chance Asda could install more towers across the UK after its debut at Trafford Park.

“The Parcel Towers are the latest example of how we’re using new technology to save our customers time and money,” Asda innovation manager Neil Drake said.

Asda Trafford Park store manager Stephen Clinton added: “We’re delighted to be the first store in the UK to trial the Parcel Tower for our customers.

“We have seen a fantastic response to the quick service since its arrival instore and we hope it continues.”