DHL OPENS ITS FIRST COMPANY OWNED AND OPERATED RETAIL STORE IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO

• Centrally-located DHL ServicePoint store offers fast, convenient shipping services for retail customers 
• New location in response to growing local demand for international e-commerce 

DHL Express, the world’s leading provider of international shipping services, recently opened its first DHL fully-branded, company-owned retail shipping store in Chicago. The 1,800 sq. ft. DHL ServicePoint facility, located at 161 N. Clark Street, is in the heart of Downtown Chicago (Embassy district) and within walking distance of CTA bus and rail lines, making it easily accessible and convenient for customers. 

“Chicago is a critical market for international trade, and the pandemic has caused a further increase in demand of our services due to the surge in online shopping,” said Nemer Abohasen, VP and General Manager, DHL Express – Midwest U.S. “We’re thrilled to be able to extend our capabilities in the heart of Chicago as part of our thriving retail strategy, which allows us to bring our industry-leading services closer to our customers.”

The new facility will help DHL manage the solid volume growth in the Chicago market – which has already increased 45 percent over the same period last year (Jan – June), largely driven by Business-to-Consumer e-commerce shipping as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.      

In response to social distancing restrictions, the location offers new safety measures, including a Call Ahead Service (labels and packaging readied in advance of the customer’s arrival to reduce wait time in the lobby) and Call-On Arrival (curbside pickup of DHL shipments). The store also offers both staffed-assistance and self-service kiosks, as well as supplies such as bubble wrap, packing tape and DHL-branded boxes for an enhanced customer retail experience. 

As a tribute to Chicago’s strong art and culture scene, DHL selected Pamela Hadley, a local artist and recent graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, who applied for the opportunity to design a Chicago-inspired art piece which is displayed in the store. “DHL is always looking for ways to foster deeper connections to our community and this partnership with Pamela does just that,” said Abohasen. “Not only do we get to promote her talent, but her art helps our store speak directly to Chicago’s unique personality.”

DHL recently opened its first fully branded store in Miami earlier this year, as well as its first mobile ServicePoint in Silver Spring, Maryland – with plans in place for other retail locations across the U.S. in the near future.

In addition to new company-owned stores, over 7,100 independently owned DHL ServicePoint Partner stores also operate in the U.S. market. They provide DHL Express international express shipping services (among other brands), global knowledge and expert advice to help businesses reach the international marketplace.