First DPD Store Opens Nationwide in Berlin-Friedrichshain

DPD is opening a new chapter for e-commerce in Berlin-Friedrichshain, making online shopping more sustainable and convenient. Consumers in the area can have their orders sent directly to the first DPD Store in Germany, where they can try on and test their purchases in a relaxed atmosphere and conveniently initiate returns. Unused boxes are given a new life by being passed on for free.

(Aschaffenburg/Berlin) Additionally, the DPD Store serves as a micro-depot from which packages are delivered to the neighborhood using electric cargo bikes.

“We have all come to appreciate the advantages of online shopping, but we also know the challenges, especially when it comes to accepting packages, returning goods, or dealing with the many boxes and packaging, as well as delivery traffic in city centers. This is exactly where we are addressing with our DPD Store, creating a whole new brand and shopping experience on one hand, and offering an innovative future concept for sustainable e-commerce on the other,” says Eric Malitzke, Managing Director of DPD Germany.

A feel-good atmosphere and customer orientation are now clearly at the center of the DPD Store: The bright and friendly interior, designed with wood and natural materials, invites customers to linger, and at the DPD coffee bar, guests can enjoy Fairtrade coffee. For trying on clothing items, well-lit fitting rooms with large mirrors are available, designed as a jungle or 3D infinity room, providing the perfect backdrop for a selfie.

At the opening: Jan Kerkhoff, Cluster Operations Manager, Justine-Claudia Schäfer, Junior Coordinator Project Management, and Eric Malitzke, Managing Director DPD Germany (© DPD)

Try On and Initiate Returns On-Site

Returns are accepted on-site directly by the DPD Store staff, as well as used and reusable boxes and packaging materials. These receive a second life at the recycling bar: Under the motto ‘reuse instead of recycle’, they are given away for free to customers who want to send their own package. The corresponding shipping label can be conveniently created and printed at the self-service terminal.

Sustainable Partnerships for Online Bookable Storage Units and Culinary Offerings

The DPD Store focuses entirely on sustainable partnerships: The self-storage provider Storebox has rented part of the store space and offers online bookable storage units in various sizes. Interested parties can store items that take up too much space at home or are only needed irregularly, either temporarily or permanently.

The culinary offerings also emphasize sustainability: In addition to Fair Trade coffee, snacks of organic quality, including “rescued” food or popcorn, are part of the selection.

Part of Green City Logistics

The DPD Store in Friedrichshain also serves as a micro-depot and is thus a building block of green city logistics, aimed at reducing car and delivery traffic in city centers: In the back area of the store, several e-cargo bikes from the manufacturer ONO are stationed, which are charged directly on-site and loaded with packages. Upon the launch of the micro-depot, around 300 packages will initially be delivered locally without emissions to customers who have not chosen to have their packages left in the DPD Store’s package shop area.

With the self-operated store, DPD is initiating a pilot project with model character. In the long term, the concept is to be implemented nationwide in Germany.

Photo: © DPD