Harnois Énergies is expanding the services offered through its Proxi convenience store network, introducing parcel pickup and return services at more than 100 locations across Eastern Canada through partnerships with Penguin Pickup and Purolator.
The initiative gives consumers additional options for collecting and returning online purchases, while expanding the range of services available at Proxi stores. The service is available for packages shipped through Purolator, with other carriers potentially participating depending on the region.
Partnerships expand parcel access
Through its partnership with Penguin Pickup, consumers can have packages delivered to participating Proxi convenience stores for collection or use the locations to return parcels. Customers select a participating store from the options provided by their carrier and follow the instructions for pickup or returns.
For Penguin Pickup, the agreement expands its network of service locations and provides additional access points for consumers.
“We are pleased to partner with Proxi, whose well-established convenience store network is deeply rooted in local communities. This addition allows us to expand our network and offer more flexibility to people who want to pick up or return their purchases,” says Axel Fisher, Head of Strategic Growth and Operations at Penguin Pickup.
The partnership also adds to Purolator’s existing national network of more than 3,100 physical access points. That network includes Retail Shipping Centres, authorized agents, shipping partners and automated lockers.
Jacqueline Jennings, Director, Retail at Purolator, said the agreement will provide additional delivery options for customers in Eastern Canada.
“Purolator is committed to making parcel pick-up and returns more convenient for Canadians. This collaboration with Harnois Énergies and Penguin Pickup will provide customers in Eastern Canada with more delivery options that fit their daily routines,” says Jennings.
Proxi expands convenience store services
For Harnois Énergies, the addition represents an expansion of the services available through its retail network, which operates under the Proxi banner.
Mathieu Robillard, Vice-President, Operations, Retail Network and Cardlock at Harnois Énergies, said the company is using its existing store network to make parcel services more accessible to consumers.
“Picking up or returning a parcel should be simple. By building on our extensive network of convenience stores, we’re making these services more accessible and giving consumers a practical solution that fits naturally into their daily routines,” says Robillard.
The collaboration between Proxi and Penguin Pickup will also include various promotional offers for consumers who use the service, according to the announcement.
Harnois Énergies, founded in 1958, is a family-owned Canadian company with operations across the country. It distributes petroleum products, propane, lubricants and specialty products, and is also developing an electric vehicle charging network.
The company operates under the Esso and Mobil brands, as well as its proprietary Harnois, Pétro-T, H-Go, Énergies Express and AFS Executive brands.
Its Proxi banner comprises more than 200 convenience stores across six Canadian provinces. The new parcel services will initially be available at more than 100 locations across Eastern Canada.
Penguin Pickup is a Canadian company specializing in parcel pickup, shipping and return services through its network of locations and partnerships with major carriers. Purolator provides freight, package and logistics services through more than 200 facilities in Canada and more than 30 branches in the United States.
The agreement adds another service offering to Proxi’s convenience store operations while extending Penguin Pickup’s reach and providing Purolator customers with additional parcel access points.
More from Retail Insider:
