MerryMart begins smart lockers rollout

MANILA, Philippines — Tycoon Edgar “Injap” Sia II’s MerryMart Consumer Corp. has commenced the  rollout of its  MBOX Smart Lockers, a technologically advanced yet easy-to-use locker system that  enables  buyers and sellers alike to eliminate face-to-face contact.

MerryMart aims  to have 100 smart lockers in strategic areas in Metro Manila and key provincial areas. Outside of Metro Manila, the company will set up several MBOX Community Hubs.

With the introduction of smart lockers, MBOX hopes to take advantage of the booming e-commerce and logistics industry.

MBOX’s first installation is at the MerryMart Grocery branch in DoubleDragon Plaza, DD Meridian Park, Bay Area in  Pasay City.

These self-service lockers are accessible 24/7. Users can pick up and drop off packages at their convenience. Packages are delivered and placed inside MBOX Smart Lockers by couriers.

As soon as a package arrives, the locker sends an SMS text alert with a pickup code to the recipient.

Sia said the pandemic has seen a record rise in deliveries and has highlighted the need for a contactless, efficient, and green delivery alternative,

“We believe that MBOX will improve Filipinos’ online purchase experience and give buyers, couriers, and sellers a more convenient, efficient, and secure alternative for delivering and receiving packages,” Sia said.

He said the use of smart lockers is common overseas.

For additional safety and security, MBOX lockers have built-in UV-light disinfection and CCTV cameras.

“Packages are disinfected with UV light as soon as they are placed inside the locker.

CCTV cameras capture and record package arrival and retrieval to ensure the safety and accountability of every package.

We believe MBOX Smart Lockers are the next disruptive technology that will capture the hearts of Filipino online shoppers,” said MBOX head of technology Fernando de Guzman II.

An MBOX Community Hub will be located at provincial town centers and have an MBOX smart locker and ATM side by side.

Consumers in the community can conveniently withdraw cash and pick up packages in one stop 24/7.

The first five MBOX Community Hubs are set to be installed starting next month in Iloilo, Roxas, Kalibo, Bacolod, and Dumaguete.

“E-commerce in the Philippines continues to grow rapidly, and as that trend moves forward, the role of MBOX in that value chain is inevitable. We envision MBOX to soon be a must-have in practically every strategic spot in the country,” Sia said.

For establishments, Sia said hosting an MBOX would not only modernize the property, but also demonstrate added care by the building management to the people who occupy and reside in the building.

By 2030, MBOX hopes to expand its network to 5,000 MBOX Smart Lockers nationwide.