DHL Express to set up shops in BPCL retail outlets

DHL Express, a market leader in the international express and logistics industry, has signed a memorandum of understanding with India's top petroleum marketing firm, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) for a retail alliance, the company said on Friday.

As per the pact, DHL will set up its outlets in BPCL's In&Out convenience stores across India. This tie up will essentially progress in three phases giving access to almost 300 stores to DHL.

''This tie up is very important to us as we plan to explore all retail approaches through the Shop-in-Shop and real estate tie ups,'' Craig Grossgart, country manager, DHL Express India, said.

''Our extensive reach has ensured that customers can avail of both international and domestic shipment needs from one DHL-Blue Dart Express centre. Our tie up with BPCL will only add to that customer convenience,'' he added.

In the first phase, DHL plans to roll out across 25 locations, which will further be extended to cover Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

''Today, it is increasingly important to differentiate and constantly focus on the customer's requirement. It is with this view that we have taken a decision to be associated with a well-known international brand like DHL and to provide our customers with convenience of added services at our select Retail Outlets,'' George Paul, general manager, brand & allied retail businesses of BPCL said.

With a majority stake in Blue Dart, DHL has a domestic network across over 21,000 locations across India.

Last month DHL, and its group company Blue Dart were voted as India's most trusted brands in the 'Airfreight/Courier Service' category at the 11th annual Reader's Digest Trusted Brand 2009 Awards.