Estonian postal operator Omniva says the closure of shopping centers has caused a substantial increase in parcel volumes.
Head of parcels business Andre Veskimeister says that experiences from its Lithuanian business, where closing shopping centers caused parcel volumes to exceed levels seen at Christmas, will help Omniva manage business in Estonia.
He said, “We can say that another Christmas is coming. In Lithuania, where shopping centers were closed some time ago, our parcel volumes have increased by 70% compared with last year and 15% compared with the last Christmas record.”
Veskimeister said parcel volumes in Estonia have grown by a third in one week and domestic parcels are at record levels.
Merchants are moving to e-channels, putting a burden on the parcel network.
Veskimeister said, “To deal with the high volume of parcels, we will apply similar measures as last Christmas period. We will fill the parcel machines several times a day, ask our customers to pick up the parcel as soon as possible and, if necessary, redirect parcels from a full machine to an empty one.”
About 85% of national parcels will be delivered the next day, with the rest the day after that, but customers can also help keep deliveries moving.
Veskimeister said, “We also ask our customers to pick up their shipments from the parcel machines as soon as possible. Only this is way we can ensure that the next customers will receive their parcels quickly as well.”
Most of Omniva’s parcel machines are located outdoors and touchscreens are regularly cleaned.
The screens can also be used with gloves and contactless instant payments are available.