Arts and crafts retailer Michaels Cos. Inc. (No. 247 n the Internet Retailer 2019 Top 1000) has rolled out UPS Access Point locations at more than 1,100 of its stores nationwide.
Under the deal with United Parcel Service Inc., consumers can now ship UPS packages directly to a Michaels store. They also can use the stores to drop off pre-labeled shipments and make returns to online merchants that offer UPS drop-off services.
Members of the UPS My Choice program can automatically reroute their packages to a Michaels location using their account delivery preferences. UPS My Choice allows users to do such things as receive delivery notifications, track packages, reroute or reschedule deliveries and leave driver instructions.
In July, UPS announced plans to add the service to Michaels stores, along with more than 6,000 CVS Pharmacy locations (owned by CVS Health Corp., No. 130) and a so-far undisclosed number of Advance Auto stores.
UPS says it currently operates more than 9,000 Access Points in the United States and 29,000 globally. Those numbers will grow to 21,000 in the U.S. and 40,000 globally when locations at Michaels, CVS and Advance Auto Parts are fully deployed next year. The current UPS Access Points also include 279 locker locations and more than 3,000 small businesses.
Michaels operates more than 1,200 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and sells online at AaronBrothers.com, ConsumerCrafts.com, Michaels.com, MichaelsKids.com and MichaelsWeddings.com. The company also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of framing merchandise, and Darice, a wholesale distributor in the craft, gift and decor industry.
The Access Point program is just one way UPS has tried to make its service more convenient and reduce the risk of package theft—which can cause some consumers less likely to buy things online. In July, UPS said it would begin Sunday pickup and delivery next year, joining competitor FedEx Corp., which announced the move to seven-day service in May.
Favorite