Rakuten, Japan Post to offer delivery lockers

TOKYO - E-commerce giant Rakuten will work with the Japan Post group to install delivery lockers where customers can pick up orders at their own convenience.

Japan Post will initially set up lockers for its Yu-Pack delivery service at 30 locations in Tokyo. Rakuten will let shoppers use the lockers from around April.

The virtual mall operator will also set up its own "Rakuten box" lockers at 50 or so sites nationwide by the end of 2015, likely at train stations, universities and elsewhere.

Shoppers will choose pickup locations and pay the same shipping fees as they would for home delivery. The lockers will hold items for up to three days, opening to passcodes sent via email. Rakuten and Japan Post will consider installing more based on usage data.

For customers, scheduling pickups around work or school is a plus. And carriers will be able to cut redelivery costs.

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