Did you know picking up your parcel from one of our lockers is the single biggest sustainable difference you can make to your online shopping? At OOHPod we love to bring you fresh ideas and new ways to make your online shopping deliveries easy, greener and as flexible as your busy life demands. 

A hub of activity for all things from parcel lockers to last mile with something for everyone - big business, small business and shoppers alike!

Blog Home | A Blog On All Things Parcel Locker & Last Mile | OOHPod - Self Service Parcel Lockers Ireland

Dublin, The Mansion House, September 22nd 2023

It's a time of great celebration at OOHPod, as we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our CEO and Founder, John Tuohy, for his win at the recent Irish eCommerce Awards. We're thrilled to share the news that John, our CEO, was honoured with a prestigious 'Outstanding Achievement' award for his remarkable contributions to the eCommerce industry. The award, presented by eComm Awards Founder, Kevin Traynor, was a true testament to John's dedication, our incredible team, and the values that drive us forward.  

'The judges felt that OOHPod is a brilliant service that has grown significantly under John’s leadership'

The Irish eCommerce Awards is the biggest celebration of the internet retail industry on the island of Ireland. The awards recognise and reward the organisations, teams and individuals who are helping shape the thriving internet retail industry across the island of Ireland.

With other strong competition in his 'Outstanding Achievement' category, John emerged as the overall winner with the judges commenting that 'OOHPod is a brilliant service that has grown significantly under John’s leadership'.

The judging panel of eCommerce experts noted that 'this serial entrepreneur has their finger on the pulse again to establish a product that could be the next big thing. He has enjoyed significant success throughout his career and is using that knowledge and understanding to innovate in the delivery market'

Congratulations to John and the team at OOHPod for their collective effort, innovation, and unwavering drive for success.

The awards ceremony, at The Round Room at Dublin's Mansion House, was a night to remember. It was an event that brought together the brightest minds and most influential players in the industry. We had the privilege of witnessing John being recognised for his extraordinary leadership and contributions.

Looking Forward

Our commitment to providing innovative solutions and exceptional service to our customers remains unwavering. With John's leadership and our incredible team, we are confident that we will continue to set new benchmarks in the eCommerce delivery market.

Full list of winners at the Irish eCommerce Awards, backed by AIB Merchant Services

Celebrating Success: OOHPod CEO John Tuohy wins 'Outstanding Achievement' award at Irish eCommerce Awards 2023

Blog | OOHPod CEO Wins 'Outstanding Achievement' Award

Celebrating Success: Our CEO John Tuohy wins at Irish eCommerce Awards

OOHPod CEO Wins 'Outstanding Achievement' Award

OOHPod Self Service Parcel Lockers are conveniently located for both sending and returning parcels with Yodel. Most OOHPod locations are accessible 24/7, however some are inside retail outlets. Check the Yodel Store locator for locations and the latest opening hours.

Returning items to your favourite retailers or sending parcels across the UK, including those you've sold on platforms like Vinted, has never been easier. 
Before heading to an OOHPod locker, ensure you've printed and securely attached your Yodel label to your parcel. 

How to get a label:

If you are returning an item you bought online, check the original packaging for a returns label. If you don't have one, you can create one through Yodel's return portal here 

If you are sending a parcel within the UK or NI, you can book your parcel delivery online and print a label through Yodel Direct.

If you are a Vinted seller, you can use prepaid Vinted-generated shipping labels for Yodel Store to Store and Yodel Store to Door. Follow the shipping steps to create a label here.

To find your nearest OOHPod locker, simply use the Yodel Store Locator page. Remember, there's no need to book in advance – you can drop your parcel at any OOHPod Self Service Parcel Locker.


Upon arriving at your chosen location, follow these straightforward instructions:

Step 1: Drop Off
On the OOHPod locker screen, touch drop off and then choose I am a customer. 

Step 2: Scan Parcel / Enter Manually
Scan the barcode at the bottom of the label.

If you have difficulty scanning the barcode, choose 'enter manually'.
The tracking number is 16 digits long and begins with either a 4 or an 8. You'll find it beside the barcode.

Step 3: Receipt
Once you have entered the correct barcode, you will be asked to enter your email address. Enter your email address and confirm. 

Step 4: Place Parcel In Compartment
A door will open. If it is the correct size, place your parcel inside the compartment and close the door. If you need a bigger compartment, close the door and choose "Open bigger" on the screen. Repeat until you get the appropriately sized compartment for your parcel. Place the parcel inside, close the door and choose 'Done'.

Step 5: Track 
And that's it! You will get a receipt by email and a Yodel driver will collect your parcel on their next delivery round. 
You can follow it's progress on the Yodel site here using the tracking number from your label.

Yodel Customer Care: +44 (0) 3447550117 (8am-5pm, Mon to Sat) 

OOHPod Support: +44 (0) 2830898006 (9am-7pm, Mon to Fri. 9am-2pm Sat) 

Follow our quick guide on how to manage and track your Yodel returns using our Northern Ireland parcel lockers

Blog | How to use OOHPod Lockers to Drop Off Yodel Parcels

5 simple steps to manage and track your Yodel parcels using OOHPod Self Service Parcel Lockers

Your 5 Step Guide to Using OOHPod Lockers to Drop Off Yodel Parcels

John, tell us a bit about your background and why you founded OOHPod.

I co-founded Nightline Logistics Group in 1992, which went on to become Ireland’s largest independent courier, turning over €65m and employing 1250 at the time of its acquisition by UPS in 2017. In 2012 I launched Parcel Motel, which was Ireland’s first smart parcel locker network.  

My latest venture, OOHPod, founded in late 2021 is another first, bringing an entirely agnostic smart parcel locker network to the island of Ireland. This means it can be used by any carrier and offers a truly sustainable first and last mile delivery solution to ecommerce transactions. My vision of consolidating first (sent and returned parcels) and last mile (deliveries) promises cost savings for both the carrier and consumer as well as reducing the carbon footprint of ecommerce traffic.

How have you found such great locations and brought such amazing partners on board so quickly?

When it comes to parcel locker networks, locations, and lots of them, are key. We have already agreed partnerships with two of the largest supermarket chains in the country, Lidl and Tesco. This enables us to expand rapidly into areas that are accessible to consumers and allows for the convenient combination of grocery shopping and parcel collection. Lidl and Tesco see it as an additional service to their customers and the surrounding community, as well as an important sustainability benefit in that parcel lockers reduce the amount of delivery vehicles in residential areas by up to 70%.

We are planning for a rapid expansion over the next 2-4 years, allowing us to offer a sustainable & cost effective alternative to home deliveries and collections.

For the first time, retailers can do their own local deliveries without having to go door to door, with little or no packaging. With the exponential growth of C2C (consumer to consumer), our lockers will allow consumers to buy/sell/swap seamlessly, in their local area. 

Bricks and mortar retailers will no longer be restricted by their opening hours as they can use our lockers for 24/7 click and collect. There is really no limit to the ecommerce opportunities we foresee!

'We have already agreed partnerships with two of the largest supermarket chains in the country, Lidl and Tesco'

What challenges have you faced so far and how have you overcome them?

Funding was my first challenge, but along with an investment of my own, I garnered backing from a number of others who saw the potential in the venture. Starting a business in the middle of the Covid Pandemic also brought some challenges! The first batch of OOHPod lockers were delayed by over 3 months due to factory closures and shipping delays. Shipping costs too, soared to multiples of the original quotes.

 Finding location partners was next on the to do list. First Lidl and then Tesco provided us with the potential footprint required for a large locker network, and some independent retailers and shopping centres filled in the gaps. All we needed next was parcels and through a combination of consumers subscribing directly and integrated carriers (UPS and Collect Plus) the business is off to a flying start!

'OOHPod has the potential to change the face of eCommerce delivery into the future!'

Why does OOHPod deserve to win at the Irish eCommerce Awards 2023?

 Having served my time in the parcel delivery business, I could see that home delivery was becoming increasingly problematic, not to mention costly and unsustainable. During the pandemic carriers got into the habit of leaving things "safe" without getting a signature and this seems to have stuck, leading to what is referred to as "porch piracy" and "friendly fraud" where items are stolen from the "safe" place and recipients claim they did not get the item when in fact they did.

On any given day a residential area in Ireland can have up to 8 delivery vehicles operating at the same time. More and more consumers are demanding, faster, cheaper (mostly free) deliveries. The phenomenal growth of the second hand clothing market with companies such as Depop and Vinted, demands a cheap, convenient method for consumers to send parcels to each other. Carriers' costs are soaring and retailers are under pressure with delivery price increases. 

OOHPod is the solution to all of the above and has the potential to change the face of eCommerce delivery into the future. Contrary to how Parcel Motel operated, OOHPod is open for all to use, carriers, retailers, consumers. Our vision is pioneering and promises a better user experience, lower carbon emissions and lower costs for everyone!

How do you feel about being nominated for this award?

I feel honoured and grateful to the judging panel to be nominated for such a prestigious award and to be considered in the same category as the other nominees, all of whom have achieved enormous success in their fields.

What does winning this award mean to you?

It would mean a great deal to me and the wider OOHPod team to win this award.  As a new startup business, I am proud of how much we have achieved in such a short period. We strongly believe that our parcel lockers will become a game changer for eCommerce deliveries, so winning this award would show that the judges share that vision.

The countdown to the big day is now on and John along with the team at OOHPod are looking forward to the awards ceremony which will be held on Friday 22nd September at the Round Room at The Mansion House in Dublin. You can keep an eye out on OOHPods socials to get involved and keep updated on the awards ceremony and who the lucky winner will be. 

Further reading:
Irish eCommerce Awards 2023 Finalists

OOHPod has been named as a finalist for an eComm live Award 2023. Ahead of the awards ceremony on Friday 22nd September, We sat down with our CEO and founder John Tuohy to find out what makes him such a great and deserving nominee for the “Outstanding Achievement Award”. 

Blog | OOHPod named as a finalist for eComm live Awards 2023

Ahead of the awards ceremony on Friday 22nd September, we sat down with our CEO and founder John Tuohy to find out what makes him such a great and deserving nominee for the “Outstanding Achievement Award”. 

OOHPod named as a finalist for eComm Awards 2023

Thursday June 22nd 2023 - Press Release from Lidl Ireland 

Lidl Ireland has joined forces with an innovative ‘out of home’ self-service parcel locker provider OOHPod.

The move will offer consumers with the convenience of picking up or returning their online purchases, at the same time as their regular shop.

The strategic partnership with parcel locker company OOHPod and Lidl Ireland will see the discounter roll out the lockers to stores nationwide in the months ahead, simplifying online shopping for customers.

Lidl Ireland noted that the lockers are open 24/7, providing shoppers with added peace of mind by offering the option to have their purchases dropped safely and securely ‘out of home’ to avoid the risk of missed deliveries.

Avril O’Hehir, chief administration officer at Lidl Ireland, said,"With simplicity and convenience at the heart of both our business models, OOHPod’s parcel lockers will offer safe storage at the point of delivery across our local store network, making Lidl Ireland a one-stop shop for all of your shopping needs."

"OOHPod’s parcel lockers will offer safe storage at the point of delivery across our local store network."

- Avril O’Hehir, Chief Administration Officer at Lidl Ireland

OOHPod is the brainchild of parcel delivery specialist John Tuohy, who launched the service in the Republic of Ireland in 2021, in a bid to provide shoppers with more flexibility in how they receive their online goods.

Customers using the OOHPod service can have their parcels delivered by any online store or carrier to their local Lidl store where OOHPod self-service lockers are available, the retailer explained.

Major courier UPS is fully integrated with OOHPod allowing customers pick up and drop off UPS parcels by selecting the service through the UPS website.

John Tuohy, CEO of OOHPod, commented, “OOHPod parcel lockers are designed with convenience and security in mind, and unlike other providers, our open network model means consumers can shop anywhere and have their parcels delivered straight to an OOHPod locker, no matter who the delivery provider is."

"OOHPod parcel lockers are designed with convenience and security in mind."

- John Tuohy, CEO OOHPod

OOHPod parcel lockers are currently in place at Lidl Ireland stores in Tyrrellstown, Charleville, Mitchelstown, Ballyvolane and Ballincollig, with additional lockers being rolled out at further sites nationwide.

With a number of payment options to choose from, customers can opt to 'pay as you go' by registering a payment method and only pay each time a parcel arrives.

For regular customers there are two discounted subscription bundles available.

For just €8.85 per month The cost for a monthly Standard Subscription is €8.85 whereby customers can have three uses of a locker for a 48-hour period each time.

A €19.50 per month Premium Monthly subscription gives 10 uses of a locker per month of 48 hours each time per use.

See more at Checkout Magazine & Business Plus Magazine

Lidl Ireland has joined forces with an innovative ‘out of home’ self-service parcel locker provider OOHPod.

Blog | Lidl Ireland Joins Forces With OOHPod

Today Collect+, part of the PayPoint Group, announces a new partnership with OOHPod which will enable Yodel Click & Collect customers in Northern Ireland to have their parcels delivered to secure lockers when checking out online.

The partnership represents the first of its kind by Collect+ across Great Britain & Northern Ireland and will be initially piloted for a six-month period running through to October 2023. The parcel lockers will initially be located at nine locations, including Lidl stores in Castlereagh, Newtownards, Shore Road Belfast, and Lisburn. They will provide 24/7 contactless access for customers to pick-up online deliveries at their convenience, and will be available as a click & collect option to select via retailer’s store locators.

In order to choose delivery to the OOHPods, customers need simply to select the option when checking out online.

Nick Williams, Director of Parcel Services at PayPoint said: “Our partnership with OOHPod is evidence of our commitment to providing consumers across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK with an ever increasing range of locations and options to meet their parcel delivery needs.”

John Tuohy, CEO at OOHPod, commented: “We are so excited by this important milestone in the progress of OOHPod in the UK and Ireland. This trial in Northern Ireland allows us to further refine our OOH service offering in agnostic self-service parcel lockers. It's fantastic that we are working with such prestigious partners as Yodel, a leading UK parcel carrier and their longstanding OOH PUDO partners PayPoint Collect+. All three companies are working closely together to deliver a successful trial which will lead to further expansion of our cooperation across the UK.”

Liam Rogan, Out of Home Director at Yodel, commented: “We are pleased to announce this trial of parcel lockers which is an exciting step for us as we look to grow our Out of Home offering. In recent years we have seen consumers demanding more convenient parcel deliveries. Our existing relationship with PayPoint provides customers with access to thousands of conveniently located stores across the UK. Their partnership with OOHPod, provides Yodel with access to a safe place for customers to collect at a time that suits them. The trial also enables us to provide a more sustainable service. By delivering parcels to a single location in an area we can reduce total mileage across our network as we look to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.”

London, UK: Yodel has announced a new six-month trial of parcel lockers with OOHPod at sites in Northern Ireland. Run in partnership with PayPoint via its Collect+ network.

Blog | Yodel begins parcel locker trial in Northern Ireland

London, UK: Yodel has announced a new six-month trial of parcel lockers with OOHPod at sites in Northern Ireland. 

Yodel begins parcel locker trial in Northern Ireland

We are proud to announce that OOHPod has partnered with United Parcel Service to become part of their UPS Access Point network. A UPS Access Point® is a secure location that allows for picking up or dropping off UPS packages.

To use a UPS Access Point® for receiving parcels, either the shipper or receiver must send the shipment to a listed locker location. This can be done at checkout or arranged for later via the UPS delivery management system. 

Using a UPS Access Point® for sending or returning parcels couldn’t be easier.  Simply follow the steps below and let OOHPod and UPS do the rest! 

Pack up your parcel and ensure that the packaging is suitable to withstand normal transit handling. 

Print the UPS label and attach it to the outside of the parcel.
Tip! You can buy a sending label on UPS.com or, if it’s a return, use the label provided to you by the retailer you are returning the item to.  

Step 3: Bring it to a locker

Bring the parcel to any OOHPod Locker location. Go here for a list of locations.

Tip! Ensure you filter by UPS Access Point. 

On the OOHPod locker screen, touch Drop Off and then Customer.

To open a locker, scan the UPS barcode containing the UPS tracking number. 

The UPS tracking number is 18 digits long and begins with “1Z”.  

Tip! If there is more than one barcode on the label, cover over the others and make sure you are scanning the 1Z barcode only. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, IF YOU SCAN THE WRONG BARCODE, THE LOCKER WILL NOT OPEN.

If you have difficulty scanning the 1Z barcode, you can key it in instead using the onscreen keyboard. 

A locker door will open. If is it the correct size, place your parcel inside and close the door.  If you need a bigger locker, close the door and touch “Open Bigger” on the screen. Repeat until you get the appropriate sized locker and place your parcel inside and close the door. 

You will be asked if you would like a receipt as proof of drop off. Add your phone number or email address and it will be sent by either SMS or email (as per your selection).

And that’s it! UPS will come to collect your parcel on their next delivery round. You can follow its progress here 

In this post, we explain how to use OOHPod lockers for sending or receiving parcels

Blog | How to Use OOHPod with UPS Access Points | OOHPod - Your Out Of Home Flexible Address

How to use OOHPod Lockers as UPS Access Points 

Press Release from LK Communications on behalf of Lidl Northern Ireland.

New OOHPods in place at Lidl Northern Ireland stores across the region offer shoppers the convenience of picking up their online purchases at same time as their weekly shop.

Lidl Northern Ireland has joined forces with an innovative ‘out of home’ self-service parcel locker provider to make its parcel lockers available to customers across the region, offering them the convenience of picking up or returning their online purchases, at the same time as their regular shop.

The strategic partnership with parcel locker company OOHPod, is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, and will see Lidl roll out the lockers to stores across the region in the months ahead, simplifying online shopping for customers.

The lockers are open 24/7, providing shoppers with added peace of mind by offering the option to have their purchases dropped safely and securely ‘out of home’ to avoid the risk of missed deliveries.

Avril O’Hehir, Chief Administration Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said;

“We’re pleased to be the first-to-market retailer with this innovative service offered by OOHPod. With simplicity and convenience at the heart of both our business models, OOHPod’s parcel lockers will offer safe storage at the point of delivery across our local store network, making Lidl Northern Ireland a one-stop shop for all of your shopping needs"

“We are committed to building sustainable relationships with market leaders across industries that will have a positive impact, and we’re excited with what this new development will bring in the years to come.” - Avril O’Hehir

Customers using the OOHPod service can have their parcels delivered by any online store or carrier to their favourite Lidl Northern Ireland store where OOHPod self-service lockers are available. Major courier UPS is fully integrated with OOHPod allowing customers to pick up and drop off UPS parcels by selecting the service through the UPS website.

“OOHPod parcel lockers are designed with convenience and security in mind, and unlike other providers, our open network model means consumers can shop anywhere and have their parcels delivered straight to an OOHPod locker, no matter who the delivery provider is.

“We are delighted to have partnered with Lidl Northern Ireland to bring the OOHPod service to stores across the region and to offer customers more choice with a seamless click and collect service."

“Picking up a parcel from one of our parcel lockers at Lidl Northern Ireland means their package is kept safe until they are ready to pick it up – and can do their weekly grocery shop at the same time.” - John Tuohy

OOHPod parcel lockers are currently in place at Lidl Northern Ireland stores in Castlereagh, Newtownards, Shore Road Belfast and Lisburn, with additional lockers being rolled out at further sites across the region.

With a number of payment options to choose from, customers can opt to “pay as you go” by registering a payment method and only pay each time a parcel arrives.  For regular customers there are two discounted subscription bundles available. For just £7.50 per month Standard Subscription, customers can have three uses of a locker for a 48-hour period each time.  A £17 per month Premium Monthly subscription gives 10 uses of a locker per month of 48 hours each time per use.

To register for the service or find more information please visit www.oohpod.com

Lidl Northern Ireland solves problem of missed deliveries in new partnership with OOHPod Parcel Lockers.

Blog | Press Release - Lidl Northern Ireland Joins Forces with OOHPod  | OOHPod - Your Out Of Home Flexible Address

Lidl Northern Ireland solves problem of missed deliveries in new partnership with  OOHPod Parcel Lockers

Press Release - Lidl Northern Ireland Joins Forces with OOHPod

Interview content transcribed with consent from CEP-Research.
Full online article available here.

Irish parcel locker firm OOHPod has ambitious plans to expand its carrier-neutral solutions outside of its home markets of Northern Ireland and Ireland and into the UK, Europe and beyond, founder and CEO John Tuohy told CEP-Research exclusively following news that UPS will close down his former company Parcel Motel at the end of this month. 

OOHPod offers parcel lockers which are open to all carriers, consumers and merchants to use. The company was founded in late 2021 and today has 30 live locations in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with plans to add an additional 80 throughout 2023. 

“We have already reached an agreement with Lidl in Ireland and Northern Ireland to place parcel lockers at all its stores,” explained Tuohy 

“We are also looking to expand into mainland UK, and we’ve registered our trademark worldwide. We have already had several international enquiries from around Europe and from Latin America. We are progressing these now.” 

Tuohy highlighted how the closure of Parcel Motel at the end of this month could offer OOHPod several growth opportunities. “The closure of Parcel Motel and subsequent removal of its lockers means that there will be several available sites that are already prepared for a parcel locker,” he explained. “We are hopeful that we can quickly backfill the Parcel Motel locations with OOHPods.” 

Tuohy founded Parcel Motel in 2012 as part of the Nightline Logistics Group. The brand grew to be hugely popular in Ireland, with lockers located at supermarkets, 24-hour shops and petrol stations across the country. In 2017 UPS acquired Nightline and Parcel Motel in a deal which was reportedly worth €30 million. 

Although the Parcel Motel brand was much loved in Ireland, Tuohy was not surprised by UPS’s decision to close the network at the end of this month. “The parcel machines are around 10 years old now,” he said. “UPS needed to make a decision on whether to continue investing in the network and buy new lockers, or to look at alternatives.” 

One of those alternatives, according to Tuohy, is outsourcing. “A key trend in the parcel delivery sector currently is to outsource assets,” he commented. “I believe UPS is looking to move to an asset light model for its out-of-home (OOH) delivery solutions. It is very expensive to expand a privately-owned, exclusive use parcel locker network like Parcel Motel.” 

Although some carriers have made big investments in privately-owned locker networks, such as those in the Nordics, the Baltics and in Germany, Tuohy believes that the parcels market will move toward a carrier-neutral approach in the future, one which OOHPod is specifically designed to serve. 

"The fact that the OOHPods are open for all to use is what is attracting the international enquiries” - John Tuohy

“I believe that the fact that the OOHPods are open for all to use is what is attracting the international enquiries,” Tuohy noted. “Retail stores can use them for click and collect orders, for example. Or big carriers like UPS can use them for deliveries, and local people, such as those selling on C2C platforms like Vinted and Depop, can drop off and collect parcels in a low cost and low emission way.” 

UPS is already using OOHPods in Northern Ireland as part of its Access Point network. “We only went live with that in December,” said Tuohy. “We expect that relationship to expand into Ireland when they open Access Point as part of their service there.” 

As the lockers are carrier-agnostic, couriers don’t “sign up” to use them. Instead, consumers and small businesses register online and include a payment method. They then receive an eight digital OOH ID. When ordering something online for delivery, users simple enter their name, their OOH ID and the address of their chosen OOHPod location. Once the order has gone through, the consumer then receives an access code which they enter to collect the parcel at the locker. 

“It doesn’t require IT integration and takes about 30 seconds to place a parcel or collect a parcel at the locker,” Tuohy added. “It just requires cooperation from the couriers. They just come along and key in the OOH ID and place the parcels in the lockers.” 

Tuohy noted that couriers have been “really cooperative” so far. “An Post couriers, for example, have been using the lockers with no issues at all,” he added. 

The carrier-agnostic nature of the OOHPods also means that the cost of development can be shared, according to Tuohy. “We have two approaches when it comes to the locations for the lockers,” he said. “The first is public locations, such as petrol stations, transport hubs and convenience stores. 

“The second is private locations, such as privately-owned residential developments, particularly apartment buildings, which is a strong area of interest for us. In these locations, the owners of the private residential developments are paying for the parcel lockers as a benefit for their resident. This really helps with the capital investment costs,” Tuohy added. 

He also noted that as the OOHPods use a standardised system for set up and operations, unlike other locker solutions on the market, the cost of installation is low. “The lockers and how they work are the same regardless of whether they are located in an apartment building or at a petrol station,” Tuohy concluded. 

Irish parcel locker firm OOHPod has ambitious plans to expand its carrier-neutral solutions outside of its home markets of Northern Ireland and Ireland and into the UK, Europe and beyond. Read the full interview with CEP-Research here.

Blog | OOHPod founder unveils big growth ambitions  | OOHPod - Your Out Of Home Flexible Address

In this interview, John Tuohy exclusively tells CEP-Research about the upcoming closure of his former company, Parcel Motel

Interview – OOHPod founder unveils big growth ambitions 

In this article, we will explain how to use your OOHPod Northern Ireland Virtual Address and how UK returns work. We'll also give you our insider tips on some of the best UK sites that deliver to Northern Ireland!

For a list of our smart locker locations in Northern Ireland, head over to our Locations page, or find out more about the Services at Jonesborough on our dedicated ParcelShop page.


We all know that having a delivery address just over the border is SO handy! But why exactly do I need one?

It gives you access to all your favourite stores, such as Debenhams, EBay UK, John Lewis and TKMaxx

Items purchased from mainland UK to Northern Ireland are not subject to import taxes

Our ParcelShop in Jonesborough is only 50 minutes from Dublin Airport

You can save on hefty delivery costs by shipping to Northern Ireland instead of the Republic of Ireland

You can make savings by buying in GBP instead of EUR as some sites offer cheaper pricing in GBP

It's a great Parcel Motel alternative, but just remember .. we don't transfer items between lockers




It's very easy to use a virtual address. Once you've signed up to OOHPod, you'll receive your very own OOH ID®. This OOH ID, along with your name and the address of the locker in Northern Ireland, makes up your Virtual Address. When shopping online, enter your address in this format:

Your Name,
OOH ID,
OOHPod Locker,
1 Finegans Road,
Jonesborough,
BT35 8YY


You can use any parcel locker on our network, you can try out different locations depending on whether you are shopping in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. Just remember to include your name, your OOH ID and the correct address.


When your parcel arrives at one of our Northern Ireland locations, you'll receive a text message (SMS) with 6 character Access Code.
You must travel to the locker your parcel was shipped to, we do not provide an onward forwarding service. 

We will store your parcel for 48 hours. After this time has passed, you will have another usage added to your account, and you will receive a new access code.

When you arrive at the locker, choose 'Pick Up' on the screen and enter your access code. The locker door will pop open, and you can take out your parcel.

If you want to try on your new clothes, before you take them home, our Jonesborough store has a has a glitzy fitting room where you can do just that!




If you’re not happy with a purchase, our staff will help you return your parcel in accordance with retailers options. If it’s a Yodel or UPS  shipment, we can process your return on the spot in our store. If it’s another carrier, we can help you find the best method to return your parcel without any hassle.


Sending parcels from Ireland to the UK can be costly and slow. Because the OOHPod Store is located in the UK, you can send parcels to mainland UK as a domestic journey.  We’re a Collect+ and UPS agent which means you can send a fully tracked parcel for the UK with Yodel from as little as £2.91 or with UPS starting from £6.96.  And don’t worry, we’ll print the label in store for you.


Now you know how easy it all is, read on to discover some of the fantastic UK stores that deliver to Northern Ireland.

10 UK stores for shopping and gifting inspiration


John Lewis 
The many departments mean that there is something for everyone under the one roof! Designer fashion, all the latest tech, and even gorgeous homewares. Fast delivery to Northern Ireland available. Shop John Lewis



Debenhams
A lot of us might immediately think of beauty and cosmetics when we think of Debenhams, however they also have both women’s and men’s fashion from lots of our favourite brands, as well as a fantastic gifting section. Debenhams no longer deliver to the Republic of Ireland, so a perfect use for your NI Virtual Address. Shop Debenhams.



JD Williams
JD Williams also have a wide range of departments, and often have excellent sales. They offer payment plans and a delivery saver option which includes Northern Ireland if you are a frequent shopper. Shop JD Williams



Amazon
Amazon is, of course, now the go to for almost anything you could need online. While Brexit and additional charges have made it slightly more difficult to shop on Amazon, our services mean that you can comfortably shop without any worries. You will also be able to purchase products that would not normally ship to the Republic of Ireland. Shop Amazon UK



Etsy
If you are looking for a more personalised gift for your loved one, Etsy is the perfect option. Featuring one of a kind products from creative sellers who are passionate about what they do, you will be sure to find something for everyone; no matter their interest. While there are Irish sellers on the site, our service will allow you to avail of a wider range of sellers, making it even easier to find the perfect gift. Shop Etsy UK



The Range
If you are wanting to give your home a refresh, then The Range is a must. They have everything you could possibly dream of for all your seasonal needs, and while they do have physical stores here in the Republic of Ireland, you you can also shop online from the comfort of your own home. Shop The Range



Marks & Spencers
For value and quality for the whole family, Marks & Spencers is a great choice. Their UK store has an even wider variety than their Irish online store and it works out a little bit cheaper than the Euro prices. You heard it here first, shop and save with this and you can thank us! Shop M&S UK



eBay
The original and newly revamped marketplace, eBay is having something of a revival. The trends towards sustainable purchases and the circular economy are giving it a new lease of life. Shop from your home and send to one of our UK locations to get great value and boost your eco-credentials. Shop eBay UK



TKMaxx
The home of the bargain, TKMaxx UK ship to Northern Ireland and offer low cost delivery over £100. If you want to purchase larger homeware items from here or any other UK store, don't forget we offer oversize in Jonesborough and other NI locations. Check our locations page for all the details. Shop TK Maxx UK



Argos
Argos is a great option for furniture, outdoors, electronics and toys. They also sell on behalf of Habitat, another great UK retailer of homeware. With the recent news of Argos stores closing in the Republic of Ireland, you can continue shopping with this great retailer with your NI Virtual Address. And like above, you can send larger items to any of our locations offering oversize. Shop Argos UK

We're sure there are many more great UK stores offering delivery and choice to Irish customers north and south of the border. Do you use any other sites regularly? Send us a message on our social channels or email us at hello@oohpod.com with any comments or ideas! 

Since Brexit, shopping on many UK websites can be tricky. Some don’t even ship to Ireland, and others incur hefty customs import fees on arrival. 

Since Brexit, shopping on many UK websites can be tricky. Some don’t even ship to Ireland, and others incur hefty customs import fees on arrival. Read on for details on how Virtual Addresses work, along with our pick of some great UK Shopping sites.

How to Use Your Northern Ireland Virtual Address

Having successfully run Parcel Motel for 10 years, Orla Sheils, the now COO of OOHPod, knows a thing or two about online shopping.  

In fact, she’s a self-confessed Shopaholic and professes to conduct 90% of ALL her shopping online.  So who better to ask for advice on Christmas shopping. Orla's tips will help you to save money, source hard-to-get items and take some of the headaches out of the silly season.  

In no particular order, here are her top 10 tips for shopping this Christmas

Save by shopping outside the dot IE   
If you’re looking for a particular item, make sure to check prices sites in other countries. If you’re an OOHPod subscriber, remember that you can save on average 30% on UK sites compared to Irish sites, when you use an OOHPod Northern Ireland location as your virtual address. For example, items on the Marks & Spencer uk site for £100 are €140 on the Irish site. Using one of the OOHPod border locations in Northern Ireland as your address, you can also get access to brands like Debenhams, John Lewis and JD Williams, not to mention save €€€ on Customs fees.  If the item you want is not available in Ireland, throw the search net wider and see if you can source it elsewhere. 



Keep surprises away from the house
Nothing spoils Christmas like a delivery driver arriving at your home with a box that gives away what’s inside and ruins a Christmas surprise.  Keep your gifts away from your home by having your parcels delivered to an OOHPod locker! Allowing you to collect at your own convenience and make a plan to hide parcels away from prying little eyes! 



Keep an eye on currency exchange rates 
If you’re buying from the UK, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the current exchange rate. Events across the water recently have led to significant currency fluctuations that brought Sterling to an all-time low, meaning you get more bang for your Euro on UK sites and vice versa if Sterling is strong. 



Never forget to include your OOH ID in your address
Just like your PMID with Parcel Motel, your OOH ID is how we identify your parcel. If a parcel is sent without an OOH ID, it may be delayed or placed on hold. Our operations staff or the courier may not be able to identify it. 



Consider pre-loved items as gifts
In today’s world, where sustainability is so important, it makes sense to try to source pre-loved items. Some of these so called “second-hand” items are unused, some with tags on, and can be bagged at a fraction of the RRP.  Sites like EBay and Vinted can offer some rare gems and may just be the answer to the dilemma of what to get that person who already has everything! Get access to Ebay UK and Vinted by using one of OOHPod’s border locations as your UK virtual address. 



Pay for your Christmas shopping with funds generated on Vinted
This year, thanks to my OOHPod UK virtual address, I’ll be paying for my gifts with the funds I made from selling unwanted clothes on Vinted. With 8 million UK users, Vinted, which hasn’t launched in Ireland yet, is taking the UK by storm.



Use OOHPods fitting room to try on clothes
Did you know, there is rather nice fitting room at OOHPod in Jonesborough?  There, you can try on clothes and make a decision to keep or return while you’re on the spot. No need to come back again with returns. 



Check the returns policy before you buy
Most retailers, especially in the UK, offer easy and mostly free return options.  However, it is still important to check these options before you buy. Some have time limits (usually 30 days) and some items are not suitable for return or exchange (like earrings or lingerie).  The OOHPod Store in Jonesborough is a Collect+ and UPS Access Point location and we can take returns for any retailers with these options. 



Sending gifts to the UK
It can be very expensive to send parcels from Ireland to the UK with postage prices starting at €21.00. As an OOHPod subscriber, you will have access to all the services we offer from our shop in Jonesborough and you can send parcels to the UK from as little as £2.79. 



Allow extra transit time 
This may sound obvious, but during November and December, parcel volumes can quadruple and this can cause delays with most carriers, something which is out of the retailers’ control.  Make sure you add extra days to the transit times stated on the retailers’ website to allow enough time for your parcel to arrive  and use the tracking number provided by the retailer to keep an eye on its      progress. 

So, with all those great tips in mind, what are you waiting for? Sign up to one of our great value plans today.

Having successfully run Parcel Motel for 10 years, Orla Sheils, the now COO of OOHPod, knows a thing or two about online shopping. Here are her Top 10 Tips for Shopping with OOHPod this Christmas

Blog | How to Shop with OOHPod this Christmas | OOHPod - Your Out Of Home Flexible Address

Top shopping tips from our very own Orla Sheils. She's a self-confessed Shopaholic, former Managing Director of Parcel Motel, and now COO of OOHPod. 

Our Top Tips for Christmas Shopping with OOHPod

While there’s no faulting the classic chocolate calendar, we have to say we’re enjoying the recent advent calendar revival. The classic Christmas tradition has evolved from simple cardboard boxes to gorgeously designed, ornate displays, filled with everything from luxurious makeup to fun toys. 

Advent calendars also make gifting super easy; what better gift is there than something that you can continue opening for an entire month? Talk about the gift that keeps on giving! 

All of these advent calendars offer great UK shipping rates, simply order to one of our OOHPod lockers in Northern Ireland to make big savings this Christmas.

Read on to discover 10 of our favourite calendars for the season ahead, with something to suit every member of the family.

Use the web to cut delivery costs and save a packet

- Martin Lewis, MoneySavingExpert founder & BBC Journalist

Charlotte Tilbury - Charlotte’s Diamond Chest of Beauty Stars 
The ultimate gift for the makeup lover in your life. CT’s 2022 calendar features 12 drawers filled with some of their most-loved products. Unlike other makeup advents calendars, this one contains several full sized products, alongside some miniature versions, meaning you’ll more than get your money’s worth!
Shop here: Charlotte's Diamond Chest of Beauty Stars



Lego Advent Calendars
For the younger ones (or just the young at heart) there’s no better way to build the Christmas spirit by giving them a new toy to open every day for the month of December. And for an extra personal touch, you can choose a set based on their favourite film! Harry Potter fans can spend Christmas at Hogwarts while building scenes from each of the 8 films, while Star Wars fans can play out popular stories with their favourite characters. 
Shop here: Lego Advent Calendars



The White Stuff - Beauty Advent Calendar 
Enjoy a little indulgence in the run up to Christmas with the White Stuff’s 2022 calendar, packed with 25 seasonal scents and wellness treats. The calendar features 2 gorgeous full-sized candles, as well as irresistible fragrances and bath & body minis. As a bonus, the calendar packaging features a stunning winter scene that can double as a decoration for your home!
Shop here: Beauty Advent Calendar



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