Sports Direct partners with InPost for “label-free” returns service

Sports Direct has partnered with leading automated parcel machine (APM) service provider InPost to offer its customers a new hassle-free way of returning unwanted items.

The partnership will enable Sports Direct customers to return parcels at one of InPost’s 5,000 lockers across the UK quickly and conveniently – without even having to print a label – by just scanning a QR code and putting their item in a locker.

Sports Direct has a diverse consumer base spanning older sports fans through to families, but print-at-home labels are a “well documented pain point for consumers”, particularly for those unable to access a printer at home which is, according to a survey carried out by Opinium on behalf of InPost, a significant 30% of Sports Direct’s customers.

A spokesperson for Sports Direct said: “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.”

Michael Rouse, CEO of InPost International, added: “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.”

InPost’s lockers are situated in convenient locations so consumers can benefit from “trip twinning” – returning parcels at a time and place that suits them.