Bloq.it & Evri launch 1,000 smart lockers across UK

Bloq.it has signed a multi-year partnership with parcel delivery firm Evri to deploy parcel lockers and dedicated returns units across the UK. The first installations will be at East of England Co-op locations.

The agreement covers the rollout of Bloq.it's NEXT smart lockers and its standalone returns product, drop, across hundreds of sites nationwide. The partnership will start with 1,000 units.

The deployment comes as carriers and retailers face higher volumes of eCommerce returns. Bloq.it cited industry data showing return rates more than doubled between 2019 and 2025, and said UK consumers returned £4.2 billion in merchandise to eCommerce retailers in 2023.

Network expansion

Evri already operates a nationwide out-of-home network of ParcelShops and lockers. It has positioned lockers and out-of-home drop-off as a way to widen delivery options and manage the operational pressures created by returns.

Liam Rogan, Head of Out of Home at Evri, said the rollout is part of a broader expansion programme. "We have an ambitious plan to significantly expand our ParcelShop and Locker network, and are committed to offering greater delivery choices for the consumers, retail clients, and businesses that we serve. This major multi-million-pound investment will establish one of the UK's largest pick-up, drop-off networks. Our expanding network of locations is shaping the future of parcel delivery in the UK with smart technology and greater accessibility, and Bloq.it is a great partner to help scale it," Rogan said.

The partners plan to place equipment in a range of locations around the country, starting with East of England Co-op sites.

Returns focus

A central element of the partnership is the UK deployment of drop, which Bloq.it said it launched in late 2025. The product is designed for returns and can be installed as part of a NEXT locker bank or as a standalone unit.

According to Bloq.it, each drop device includes a label printer plus QR and barcode readers, and comes with the same maintenance and servicing support as its NEXT lockers.

The companies positioned drop as a way to consolidate collections, allowing Evri couriers to pick up multiple returns from a single point rather than making numerous stops. Bloq.it said this reduces route miles and addresses operational inefficiencies linked to reverse logistics.

Miha Jagodic, CEO of Bloq.it, said the new device reflects changing expectations around returns.

"Our recently launched drop devices bridge the gap between consumers and locations for drop-offs, just as our NEXT lockers do for parcel pick-up. The drop promise is all about user convenience. A major logistics company like Evri choosing to deploy these devices is an enormous vote of confidence in our technology and is part of our UK market consolidation efforts. Evri understands that dedicated returns infrastructure is essential to a modern and hybrid OOH network, whether as a standalone or part of a larger integrated parcel station. The combination of NEXT and drop is the basis of this network, and we're proud to provide it," Jagodic said.

Modular deployment

The partnership uses a modular approach, allowing Evri to vary what is installed at each site based on demand. Some locations will receive combined locker and returns infrastructure, while others will use dedicated returns units where return volumes are higher.

Bloq.it said locker compartment sizes are optimised for Evri's parcel mix. It added that users can complete returns in seconds with drop, and pick up parcels in under 30 seconds at NEXT lockers using a touchscreen display and barcode reader.

The rollout also aims to address space and staffing pressures at collection points. Bloq.it said combining lockers and drop units reduces queues and declutters pick-up and drop-off areas, while potentially increasing foot traffic for host locations.

UK presence

The agreement expands Bloq.it's UK footprint. Founded in Lisbon in 2019, the company provides locker hardware, software and operational support for logistics and eCommerce customers. Its partners include Vinted Go, DHL eCommerce and GLS.

Evri operates as part of Evri Group, which also includes DHL eCommerce UK, customs clearance specialist Coll-8 and UK Mail. The group said it expects to deliver more than 1 billion parcels and a further 1 billion business letters annually.

Installations will continue across additional UK locations as the partnership scales over the multi-year term.