Retail delivery and returns specialist CollectPlus has teamed up with on-demand transport app Gett to launch a rapid retail returns service for time-strapped consumers.

The service will allow users of the Gett app in London to have items for return collected from an address of their choice and delivered to a CollectPlus point – typically an independent retailer – within an hour for £1.95.

Packages will be collected by scooter within 10 minutes of request and the service will be available from 9am until 11pm, seven days a week.

The initiative, described as the first of its kind, has been launched in Zones 1 and 2 of London and will shortly be extended to Zone 3.

If successful it will be rolled out to other cities. CollectPlus’s network comprises 6,000 stores and it works with 350 retailers including Asos, New Look and John Lewis

‘Time is at a premium’

CollectPlus director of strategic partnerships Matthew Jacques, said: “For those living or working in London, time is at a premium and people often don’t have time to head out on their lunch break or swing by their local CollectPlus point to return unwanted items.

“Our new partnership with Gett Delivery is an exciting development in the fulfilment space. For the first time, online shoppers will be able to have their returns collected directly from where they are, at a time that suits them, providing our customers with even more flexibility.”

Gett UK chief executive Matteo de Renzi said: “We’re thrilled to announce this partnership and have no doubt that the new offering will make returning online shopping even easier and faster for busier Londoners, in turn helping retailers offer a better service and encourage repeat business.”