BOPIS Lockers: A Look At How These Systems Have Transformed The Retail Industry

BY Hariharan Arumugam | Dec 20, 2024 | 8 MIN READ
A woman in a red shirt interacting with a green smart locker system. The locker features a touch screen for employee login and instructions that read: '1. Scan, 2. Pick Up, 3. Go!

The retail market has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with Buy Online, Pick-up In Store (BOPIS) lockers emerging as a game-changing solution for both retailers and consumers. 

What are BOPIS Lockers?

BOPIS lockers are smart, automated systems that allow customers to pick up their online orders at their convenience, without the need for staff interaction.

Here’s how BOPIS lockers help solve key challenges in modern retail:

  • Tackling Delivery Issues: BOPIS lockers offer a safe pickup point, solving problems such as package theft or missed deliveries.
  • Improving Staff Efficiency: With lockers handling pickups, staff can focus on other important tasks, improving overall service.
  • Maximizing Space: Their compact, modular design allows retailers to use space optimally while securely storing multiple orders.
  • Enhancing Customer Satisfaction: Customers can skip the wait with a quick, contactless pickup that’s available 24/7.

Infographic highlighting consumer statistics for BOPIS locker usage and preferences.

How do BOPIS Lockers Work?

BOPIS lockers follow a straightforward process that enhances both customer convenience and operational efficiency. 

Typically, the BOPIS process is as follows: 

  1. Online Purchase: Customer shops on the retailer’s website or app and selects “Pick up in-store” at checkout.
  2. Order Processing: Store staff receives the order and prepares it for pickup. 
  3. Locker Assignment: Staff places the order in an appropriately sized locker compartment.
  4. Customer Notification: The smart locker system automatically sends a unique pickup code to the customer via email or text.
  5. Pickup Process: The customer visits the locker location, enters their code, or scans a QR code, and the designated locker door opens automatically.
  6. Completion: The smart locker system records the pickup and updates inventory in real-time.

A green smart locker system labeled 'IN-STORE PICK UP' located in a retail environment. The lockers are positioned along a concrete wall, with bicycles and retail items visible nearby.

What are the Benefits of BOPIS Lockers for Retailers?

Retailers experience numerous benefits when using BOPIS lockers for their businesses. Some of these advantages include the following: 

Reduced Labour Costs

BOPIS lockers significantly reduce the need for dedicated staff to manage order pickups. By automating the pickup process, retailers can optimize their staff’s time and reduce operational costs. 

Enhanced Inventory Management 

The smart technology within BOPIS lockers provides retailers with valuable data analytics and real-time inventory tracking. These insights help optimize stock levels, identify popular pickup times, and improve sales forecasting.  

Increased Sales Opportunities 

BOPIS lockers drive additional foot traffic to retail locations, creating opportunities for impulse purchases. The convenience and security of pickups also help reduce cart abandonment rates, as customers have greater confidence in the fulfillment process compared to delivery options. 

24/7 Access 

Retailers can extend their store hours with BOPIS lockers because they offer around-the-clock pickup availability. This flexibility accommodates customers with varying schedules, creating increased sales revenue for businesses. 

Increased Scalability and Adaptability 

BOPIS lockers can easily be scaled up based on product demand, allowing retailers to adjust their pickup capacity as needed. The modular design of these systems also ensures businesses can adapt to different product types, changing store layouts, and evolving customer needs. 

Increased Security

With their smart technology, BOPIS lockers have enhanced security features that protect both retailers and customers. Advanced authentication methods, surveillance systems, and digital tracking ensure that BOPIS orders are safely stored and retrieved by only authorized individuals.

How Signifi Can Help Transform Your Retail Operations 

A retail store showcasing a red smart locker system labeled 'IN-STORE PICK UP' alongside racks of Ripzone clothing. The display includes shirts, hoodies, and pants, with GoPro branding visible on the adjacent wall.

As retailers continue to adapt to evolving consumer demands, BOPIS lockers have emerged as a transformative solution that bridges the gap between online convenience and in-store reliability. 

For large enterprises managing multiple locations, implementing a cohesive BOPIS strategy requires a partner with proven expertise in providing scalable solutions. 

Signifi leads the way in retail innovation, offering BOPIS locker systems that seamlessly integrate with existing software and provide the flexibility to grow with your business.

Our track record of successful BOPIS locker installations for large-scale enterprises demonstrates our ability to manage complex, multi-location projects with precision and care.

Ready to transform your retail operations? Contact us today for a customized quote and discover how our BOPIS locker solutions can enhance your customer experience while streamlining your operations.

Share this Post

About the Author

Hariharan Arumugam

Product Marketing Manager, Signifi Solutions

You May Also Like