DHL opens mobile pop-up store south of Washington, D.C.

DHL Express, the world’s leading provider of international express shipping services, recently expanded its vast network of U.S. retail locations by opening a new mobile pop-up store in Alexandria, Virginia. Located in the Shoppes of Foxchase shopping center, the 2,200-cubic-feet mobile DHL ServicePoint offers a safe, easy-to-use shipping option for customers.

“We’re pleased to continue expanding our network of pop-up stores, which provide greater accessibility and a faster, more convenient and safe experience for our customers,” said Chet Paul, SVP of Commercial for DHL Express U.S. “These innovative mobile units are being installed around the U.S. to address the growing demand for international shipping services, which has increased significantly since last year due to the pandemic-related surge in e-commerce sales.”
Located conveniently in the Duke Street corridor of Alexandria just off I-395, local consumer shipping needs have accelerated significantly in the last year, with many first-generation Americans shipping to their native countries in Central America and Africa. The new unit is the third location in the greater Washington D.C. area, which now has pop-up stores in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Woodbridge, Virginia
DHL worked closely with the City of Alexandra to implement the new ServicePoint, which is boosted by a hybrid battery/solar system – helping reduce energy consumption. The unit rests atop a patented hydraulic-lift platform, which can be lowered nearly flush to the ground so customers may easily access the unit either via 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, and soon customers will be able to pick up incoming packages from this location.

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.