Introduction

According to the latest tech news, FedEx and Walgreens are partnering up to make online returns more convenient. This is a part of their move that focuses on developing a trend where brick-and-mortar retailers cater to the demands of e-commerce shoppers to improve foot traffic at their stores. Keep reading to learn more about this partnership.

How will this affect customers? 

Following the new deal, consumers will be prepared to drop off their online returns at hundreds of Walgreens stores nationwide. They will also be capable of printing their return shipping label in the store if it is required.

How does this process work?

The partnership includes the use of the FedEx Returns Technology platform, which enables online vendors and retailers to give customers a return code through email. The customer can later take that code to the participating Walgreens store to arrange their label getting printed for them.

FedEx states it is giving the printing machine, associated technology and training elements to the Walgreens stores. However, current Walgreens store staff will be the ones who do the printing and not a FedEx employee.

How is this deal any different?

The current partnership is an extension of an existing relationship between both the companies. In 2017, Walgreens declared a long-term partnership with FedEx to offer drop-off and pickup services at its U.S. stores. However, it did not help with label printing the packages which are required to be fit to ship.

Why is this new partnership a life-saver?

The new partnership marks what continues to be one of the biggest challenges connected with shopping online. Many consumers don’t have access to a functioning printer or are out of ink or paper, and this makes printing a return label trouble. And researches have revealed that consumers prefer to take their online returns to a store, instead of shipping them back by themselves. 

According to a study indicated by eMarketer, 75% of U.S. online users said they would prefer that way of action. Brick-and-mortar retailers have been keen on capitalizing this trend to fit their own needs in terms of increasing foot traffic at a time when most of their consumers are shopping from home.

The current contribution will start rolling out at the beginning of November, ahead of the peak holiday shopping season. Stay tuned with iTMunch for more such updates from the retail industry!

SEE ALSO: Target is all set to power Toys “R” Us’s online sales

Conclusion

The FedEx-Walgreens partnership is a game-changer for consumers and retailers alike. By allowing customers to drop off online returns and print return labels at Walgreens locations, it removes common barriers like lack of printing access and enhances the overall online shopping experience. This collaboration is not just a convenience for consumers but also serves to drive foot traffic to physical stores, helping brick-and-mortar retailers thrive in the age of e-commerce. With this innovative approach, the partnership provides a timely solution ahead of the busy holiday season, improving convenience and customer satisfaction.

Stay tuned with iTMunch for more such news and industry updates!

FAQs

1. What is the FedEx-Walgreens partnership?
   FedEx and Walgreens have teamed up to make online returns easier by allowing customers to drop off returns and print return labels at participating Walgreens locations nationwide.
2. How does this process work?
   Customers will receive a return code through email from online retailers. They can take this code to a participating Walgreens store, where they can print their return label and drop off their package using the FedEx Returns Technology platform.
3. How is this partnership different from previous ones?
   This new partnership extends the existing FedEx-Walgreens relationship, with the key difference being that Walgreens will now offer label printing in addition to the drop-off and pickup services they already provide.
4. Why is this partnership important?
   It addresses a common challenge faced by e-commerce shoppers—access to printers for return labels—and enhances the return process. It also increases foot traffic in physical stores, benefiting retailers like Walgreens.
5. When will the partnership start?
   The new service will start rolling out in November, just before the peak holiday shopping season.