Improving the consumer journey: Sports Direct signs up for InPost UK label free online returns service

InPost has announced a partnership with Sports Direct, enabling the latter’s  customers to return parcels at one of its 5,000 lockers across the UK, without having to print a label.

They scan a QR code received to their phone at their nearest locker and leave their items in one of the compartments. 

Michael Rouse, CEO at InPost International, comments: “Consumer expectations have changed dramatically over the last few years. Today, they expect - and even demand - convenience at every touchpoint.”

“As such, for retailers, returns are becoming a huge part of the customer experience. Indeed, today they’re core to driving customer lifetime value. By joining forces with Sports Direct, we are supporting their ambitions to offer super convenient returns to their customers. We look forward to seeing where this partnership takes us.”

A spokesperson for Sports Direct says: “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our consumer journey and to create a seamless beginning to end product lifecycle. Our partnership with InPost will help generate a smooth process for our consumers when returning online purchases by using QR code technology.”

InPost UK’s parcel lockers can be found in shopping centres, train stations, supermarkets, petrol forecourts, and on high streets, with the majority available 24/7. 

Part of Frasers Group plc, Sports Direct serves customers across its 500 stores and online offering.

It recently opened a five floor Manchester flagship store, featuring inurface media’s AV solutions.

Said installation features 104 individual displays - 29 LCD and 68 LED displays, including the largest fixed indoor screen within a retail store in Manchester.

The store also contains 181 sqm of LEDs, which is almost enough to fill an entire singles tennis court, as well as five interactive tablets, two projectors, and interactive jump booths.

A 22.5sqm COB LED archway welcomes consumers into the location, followed by LED rafts and tickers - the displays comprise 35,841,664 LED pixels.

The jump booths will play on users' sporting competitiveness and measure just how high they can jump using body recognition technology. This then creates a slow motion playback and allows individuals to cement their positions on a leader board and take the content away with them.

Hang tough, meanwhile, is a bespoke unit that captures how long customers can hang, with displays featuring a countdown timer, personal score and a leadership board for all to see.