The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped global commerce, accelerating demand for safer, more efficient delivery solutions. In response, logistics giant UPS and North America’s leading arts-and-crafts retailer Michaels have partnered to pioneer a contactless package service—a strategic move that could redefine retail’s "last mile" delivery.
A New Standard for Safety and Convenience
The collaboration leverages UPS’s MyAccess program, enabling customers to send or receive packages at any of 800 participating Michaels stores nationwide. Key features include:
- Reduced Exposure: Minimized person-to-person contact to mitigate viral transmission risks.
- 24/7 Accessibility: Real-time package tracking and flexible pickup/drop-off times through UPS’s network of 40,000+ global access points.
- Seamless Integration: Combines Michaels’ extensive retail footprint with UPS’s logistics infrastructure.
Pandemic Accelerates Retail Transformation
The service arrives as Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS) models surge in adoption. With some states mandating BOPIS for non-essential retailers, the partnership exemplifies how brands are adapting to:
- Evolving consumer expectations for contactless experiences.
- The need to balance operational costs against rising e-commerce demand—UPS reported an 8.5% increase in domestic daily shipments despite a 45% profit decline.
- Competitive pressures to optimize omnichannel capabilities.
Strategic Implications for Retail’s Future
Beyond being a pandemic stopgap, the initiative signals lasting shifts in delivery norms. Industry analysts note that:
- 90% of UPS Access Points remain operational despite supply chain disruptions.
- Retailers with robust fulfillment networks gain competitive advantage during crises.
- Emerging technologies like drone delivery and smart lockers may build upon this contactless foundation.
The partnership also highlights Michaels’ digital transformation efforts, as the retailer expands online services to complement its 1,100+ store locations.
Broader Industry Challenges
The logistics sector faces unprecedented strain, with FedEx and USPS also suspending service guarantees due to volume surges. This collaboration demonstrates how cross-industry alliances can address:
- Capacity constraints through decentralized pickup points.
- Consumer demand for transparency via enhanced tracking systems.
- The need for cost-efficient solutions amid margin pressures.
As retailers and logistics providers navigate the "new normal," such innovations may establish blueprints for resilient, customer-centric supply chains in the post-pandemic era.