September 7, 2021

E-commerce and logistics company Mailpac says it will be pumping funds into the buildout of an additional five stores before the close of 2021. The company is also in discussions with select gas station and pharmacy operators to host its pickup lockers island-wide. Mailpac’s announcement to add new stores and partner for the expansion of its locker distribution network comes amid plans to acquire an e-commerce company that would give Mailpac a footprint in the wider Caribbean region. Over the past 10 years, Mailpac has leveraged its in-store branch network which currently stands at 13 to serve its customer base. Recently, it added the first pick-up locker at the Old Hope Road store as a test for greater customer convenience. “Like Amazon in the United States, we expect our lockers to become an integral delivery mechanism for our company. We are finalising agreements with a number of strategically located retailers that will host our lockers. This means that our customers will soon be able to pay online and simply collect their packages from one of our lockers located at a gas station or pharmacy on their way home,” Executive Chairman of Mailpac, Khary Robinson said in a release from the company. The lockers allow customers to pay their shipping costs online and instantly receive a unique ‘pickup’ QR code. When the code is scanned at the locker, it automatically opens a cubicle that stores all the customer’s packages available for collection. Robinson said that having a distributed base of stores or collection points has always been a fundamental part of Mailpac’s strategy, but that the meaningful growth in online shopping over the past few months, has fast-tracked the company’s need to significantly expand its network to be closer to customers. “Our mission has always been to better connect Jamaican consumers to global products. To do that efficiently, we truly need to be in the communities of the families and companies that we serve,” he said. Mailpac became a publicly listed company in December of 2019 with 11 locations spanning Kingston, Portmore, Spanish Town, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Savanna-la-mar, Mandeville and May Pen, and recently the addition of Harbour View and Whitter Village stores. The company is targeting 18 locations by the end of the year. In addition to in-store and locker pick-up for internationally shipped and domestic packages, Mailpac also offers home delivery services. “It’s no surprise that Jamaicans are increasingly realising the value of shopping online. Our in-store customer service teams offer localised support to customers who seek personalised attention as a part of their online shopping experience. For those that want a more effortless experience, we offer home delivery solutions and now our contactless pickup lockers” Samantha Ray, COO of Mailpac Group said. Source: https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/mailpac-partnering-gas-stations-pharmacies-pick-lockers

Caribbean Airlines Cargo and the Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association (JMEA) have recently entered into a partnership, to support and boost local exports. Caribbean Airlines Cargo facilitates the movement of general, perishable and other types of cargo throughout the Caribbean and cities around the globe; and JMEA is the leading industry association in Jamaica that represents and supports exporters, manufacturers, service providers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME’s) through advocacy, strategic partnerships, export services, research, capacity building and access to finance. As part of the agreement, JMEA members will benefit from special Caribbean Airlines Cargo discounts. The airline accepts payment in Jamaican Dollars, provides cargo insurance services and offers a cargo loyalty programme. Commenting on the partnership, Caribbean Airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dionne Ligoure stated: “Caribbean Airlines Cargo is committed to promoting the growth and development of trade in the region. This partnership is a tangible demonstration of this intent. Throughout the pandemic, our cargo operations continued and we adjusted our air freight capacity to meet increasing demand.  As global trade re-opens and normalizes, Caribbean Airlines will maintain and adjust its model to facilitate the movement of goods to and from Jamaica and throughout the region.” The exploration of air freight routes currently underserved by the regional cargo industry will be one of the key areas of focus under the partnership; as access to new global markets will open opportunities for exporters and importers in Jamaica to economic benefits. For her part, Executive Director, Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association  Simara Howel said the JMEA is cognizant of the role exports play as a tool for economic growth, especially in light of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Shipping and Logistics solutions are a critical supportive component in ensuring that local manufacturers and exporters are able to penetrate new markets in a timely and efficient manner, she noted. “The JMEA remains committed to forming and strengthening strategic partnerships like this Caribbean Airlines agreement that will bring valuable solutions to our nation’s MSMEs whilst reducing barriers to trade.” Caribbean Airlines Cargo provides connectivity to the Caribbean, North America and several destinations worldwide, using its extensive interline network. Through its team of experts including air cargo professionals with decades of industry experience, the airline efficiently transports general, temperature-controlled, over-sized cargo and other shipments globally. Source: https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/jmea-partners-caribbean-airlines-cargo-boost-local-exports