# Smart Locker Network Expansions Evri Partners With Bloq.it NEXT Lockers By Debra John | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-03-10 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloqit-next-lockers References: [talkingretail](https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/evri-boosts-out-of-home-network-with-bloq-it-partnership-04-03-2026/)  Bloq.it [Next Locker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-model) partnered with parcel carrier Evri to expand Evri’s out-of-home network, featuring Bloq.it’s [NEXT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residential-security-system) smart lockers and the standalone returns solution, drop. The multi-year deal scheduled an initial rollout in March 2026 at East of England Co-op locations and plans to install hundreds of units nationwide. The NEXT lockers include integrated returns functionality and a separate drop unit designed specifically for [reverse logistics and e-commerce returns processing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/return-kiosks). The collaboration targets growing online shopping and returns volumes by increasing convenient collection and drop-off points, reducing delivery friction for consumers. For carriers and retailers, denser locker access can lower failed deliveries and streamline reverse flows, reflecting a broader trend toward automated, location-agnostic parcel infrastructure. Image Credit: FOTOGRIN / Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 66% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Smart Locker Network Expansion:** Denser deployments of smart lockers that increase collection and drop-off density, creating potential for distributed last-mile hubs that change parcel routing economics. - **Integrated Returns Solutions:** Integrated returns functionality and dedicated drop units that streamline reverse flows, opening possibilities for automated returns processing and consolidated handling points. - **Location-agnostic Parcel Infrastructure:** A shift toward location-agnostic parcel infrastructure that decouples delivery from home addresses, enabling flexible fulfillment models and new touchpoint monetization strategies. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Parcel Carriers:** Carriers experiencing reduced failed deliveries and denser pickup footprints, which encourages investment in modular locker fleets and software orchestration platforms. - **Retailers and Co-ops:** Brick-and-mortar retailers serving as locker hosts that generate incremental foot traffic and omnichannel fulfillment capabilities, presenting opportunities for store-as-logistics-node concepts. - **Reverse Logistics Technology:** Providers of returns automation and sortation tech that face demand for integrated hardware–software solutions, fostering innovation in compact, high-throughput returns units. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Biometric Authentication Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultraloq-smart-home-locks.md) - [Award-Winning Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/max-smart-lock.md) - [eCommerce Brand Package Lockers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inpost-and-ebay.md) - [Expansive Action Character Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-fair-new-york-2026.md) - [On-Demand Fitness Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ondemand-fitness.md) - [Energy-Efficient Smart Home Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultraloq-bolt-zwave.md) - [Solar-Powered Smart Parcel Lockers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quadient-x-series-lockers.md) - [High-Tech Residential Security Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residential-security-system.md) - [Next Gen Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/next-gen-smart-lock.md)