The Co-operative has tied up with Hermes to allow shoppers to send and receive parcels at their local Co-op store via its ParcelShop service.

ParcelShop will allow consumers to send and receive both personal and business parcels and specify their local store as an alternative delivery address.

The launch follows a successful pilot in 42 shops and will be run in up to 450 stores across the UK.

Hermes chief executive Carole Woodhead said: “By entering a partnership with such an established and trusted retailer like the Co-op, we have further strengthened our dedicated network of 4,500 ParcelShops.

“This partnership focuses on convenience, with consumers being able to buy groceries whilst also sending parcels, collecting or returning their online purchases, and vice versa.”

Co-op’s 450 ParcelShop locations mean that it is one of the scheme’s largest partners.