DHL opens first drive-up retail store in the US

DHL Express, the world’s leading provider of international express shipping services, expanded its vast network of U.S. retail locations by opening a drive-up, mobile pop-up retail store in Woodbridge, Virginia. Located in the Potomac Mills shopping center, the 2,200-cubic-feet mobile DHL ServicePoint becomes the first of its kind, providing a drive-up window for a safe, easy-to-use shipping option for customers.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an unprecedented increase in international shipping in the area, and we continue to explore ways to adapt and offer an even safer shipping experience for our customers,” said Chet Paul, SVP of Commercial for DHL Express U.S. “With the addition of this unique model in Woodbridge, customers will now be able to complete all transactions without having to leave their car. The DHL ServicePoint is part of our overall retail strategy to be closer and more accessible to consumers.
Located conveniently near the intersection of Fall River Way and Potomac Mills Circle, the new unit is the second location in the greater Washington D.C. area. In July 2019, DHL Express experienced an influx of traffic when it opened the first-of-its-kind mobile pop-up store in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The Woodbridge ServicePoint is the first drive-up pop-up store within the DHL Express U.S. network. Customers may easily access the unit either via the drive-up window or in the store. An efficient point-of-sale system is capable of processing shipments to U.S destinations as well as any of the 220 countries and territories DHL serves. Supplies such as bubble wrap, packing tape and DHL-branded boxes are available at the mobile unit.

In response to social-distancing concerns, this DHL ServicePoint also offers convenient safety features such as the Call Ahead service (labels and packaging are ready when the customer arrives to reduce wait time) and an easy-access service window.

To create this mobile DHL ServicePoint location, DHL worked in collaboration with Flexetail, a leading designer and builder of mobile shops that offers brands an affordable opportunity to test products, explore new markets and launch new lines.

In addition to these new company-owned stores, over 3,500 independently owned DHL ServicePoint Partner stores continue to play a critical role in the company’s retail strategy within the U.S. market. All locations provide DHL Express international express shipping services (among other brands), global knowledge and expert advice to help businesses reach the international marketplace.