Picnic launches into reverse logistics

After deploying it in the Netherlands and Germany, Picnic is accelerating on reverse logistics in France. The mobile supermarket’s customers now have the ability to purchase gas refills for Sodastream from the app from the retailer and will also be able to entrust their empty refills to the “Runners” (delivery people) during their rounds.

The system is simple: once delivery has been made, the customer returns the empty cylinder to the Picnic delivery person and is directly reimbursed for the deposit, in the amount of 10 euros. It is no longer necessary to fill out the return form or go to the collection point. “The idea is that our electric carts return to the warehouse as full as they left, but this time with returns and not food shopping.”explains Grégoire Borgoltz, operations director of Picnic France.

Following a conclusive test phase in Dunkirk, The service has been available to all Picnic customers since July 15. Grégoire Borgoltz explains: “During this test phase, our customers were surprised by how easy it was to return refills: they no longer need to travel and go to a busy supermarket to buy or return their deposit. The majority of our customers choose Picnic for its low prices and convenience. With this launch, we are going even further to simplify their daily lives.”

A first step for Picnic

This initiative marks the beginning of the strategy of extending the complementary logistics services offered in France by the Dutch brand. This is the first partnership of its kind for Picnic in France. Beyond the objective of making life easier for its customers, it is part of the brand’s CSR roadmap, who wants to build a more responsible online shopping model. Thus, this new reverse last-mile delivery service is just a first step for Picnic in France. The brand could notably continue on the model of its Dutch branch, where it has a partnership with DHL to collect parcels.