The new Parcel+ concept acts as a Collect+ and InPost location point, and services all the major couriers including Amazon, Evri, DPD, DHL, UPS, FedEx, Royal Mail, Parcel Force, and Yodel.

The first of its type has been rolled out at a Spar Willow Lane in Lancaster, and is separate from the store’s customer counter. It has the capacity to store ‘large volumes of parcels’ and an alphabetical system to quicken the collection process.

 Kevin Hunt, managing director of Lawrence Hunt & Co, said the finished Parcel+ concept will enhance customer experience and “sustain considerable growth” for the brand.

While the extensive range of couriers available is appealing to customers, its separate hub also provides convenience.

The new concept has been achieved with the purchase of the store’s adjacent unit, followed by its integration into the existing store

Hunt continued: “Prior to Christmas, the months of November and December were exceptionally busy for parcels, and it highlighted that the direction we were going down with the development of Parcel+ was the right one.

“The expansion has resulted in no loss of sales space within the store, and with the acquired additional space, we have even been able to improve the store’s existing deli by providing a larger kitchen and preparation area.

 “We are genuinely excited to see how Parcel+ performs and we look forward to taking learnings from both the customer feedback we receive and from the experience of our retail team operating Parcel+ day to day.”

Lawrence Hunt & Co operates 22 Spar stores cross the North West England.