DHL Opens Solar-Powered Mobile Pop-Up Store in Columbus

Location offers safe, fast, and convenient shipping in response to increased demand from the local community for international shipping

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 Columbus, Ohio. Based at Easton Gateway Town Center, the 2,200-cubic-feet mobile DHL ServicePoint offers a safe, easy-to-use shipping option for customers.

“Columbus has the third-largest concentration of African-born residents in the U.S., and over the past year especially, we have seen increased shipping activity from those residents to their native countries. This new mobile pop-up store will provide more convenient options for Columbus-area customers and accommodate their growing international shipping needs,” said Chet Paul, SVP of Commercial for DHL Express U.S.

The unit is DHL’s second 100 percent off-the-grid retail store, boosted by a solar powered system with backup batteries charged at the local service center – helping reduce energy consumption and contributing the company’s mission to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It rests atop a patented hydraulic-lift platform that lowers nearly flush to the ground so customers may easily access the unit either via a window or by entering the store. DHL’s increasing shift toward renewable or “green” energy sources is propelling electric mobility and facility solutions for logistics, helping the industry go green and providing neighborhood-friendly solutions in cities and logistics operations.

“Our first 100 percent off-the-grid retail store opened in California earlier this year, and it has already seen success in providing customers more accessible and sustainable shipping options,” continued Paul. “We hope to mirror that success in Columbus as we reinforce our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of our operations.”

Located on Worth Avenue off Laet Drive near Stelzer Road, the new ServicePoint unit is the first mobile pop-up store in Ohio.

The 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.

To create this mobile DHL ServicePoint location, DHL worked closely 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.