How Retail Stores Are Powering the Next Generation of Parcel Delivery? Meet RDON: Retail-Driven Open Network

Across Europe, retail spaces are undergoing a quiet transformation. Behind shopfronts and shelves, a new kind of infrastructure is emerging- one where physical retail doesn’t just serve shoppers but also supports the logistics ecosystem. It’s seamless, shared, and redefining what the last mile looks like.

This is the Retail-Driven Open Network, or RDON. At Cleveron, we’re proud to be powering this shift, transforming everyday retail locations into the backbone of flexible, carrier-agnostic delivery networks across the continent.

What is RDON?

At its core, a Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) is a parcel delivery infrastructure embedded within existing retail stores. Rather than relying on isolated hubs or single-use systems, RDON brings parcel services closer to people, using trusted, accessible retail environments to make pickup and returns simple, efficient, and scalable.

But Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) is more than just a location strategy. It’s an open, interoperable model that allows:

• Multiple logistics carriers to operate within a shared locker infrastructure.
• Retailers to retain control, visibility, and branding over their delivery network.
• Consumers can access smarter, more convenient pickup options, directly at their local store.

It turns local commerce into local logistics, without the friction.

Hardware, Software, and a Smarter System

What makes Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) different isn’t just the idea, it’s the comprehensive architecture behind it.

Compatible with Robotics and Traditional Lockers

Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) is infrastructure-flexible. Whether it’s a robotic parcel pickup unit or a modular smart locker, the network adapts to the footprint of each retail site, regardless of whether it is large or small, urban or rural.

Powered by Purpose-Built Software

At Cleveron, we’ve developed a multi-carrier, multi-store software platform that lets network owners:

• Manage multiple logistics providers on a single parcel machine.
• Maintain complete oversight across the network while monitoring capacity, parcel flow, and utilisation.
• Keep carrier operations completely siloed, ensuring data privacy, brand integrity, and access control.

Retailers and carriers don’t compete within the system. They coexist securely, efficiently, and independently.

API-First Integration Model

Our platform enables plug-and-play carrier integrations from regional couriers to national delivery providers. The result is a dynamic, open system that can expand as new logistics partners join without overhauling infrastructure.

ICA’s Retail-Driven Open Network: A National Network Built on Local Trust

In 2021, we jumped into developing the Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) concept with ICA, Sweden’s biggest grocery retailer, which is leading the way with this innovative approach!

With over 1,300 stores nationwide, ICA has partnered with Cleveron to establish a retail-anchored, carrier-agnostic parcel network that serves millions of customers, directly through the stores they already shop at. In the past 4 years, Cleveron has had over 100 installations at different ICA stores to improve customer experience, streamline operations and offer a seamless delivery management process. 

What makes ICA’s model stand out:

• Single-location, multi-carrier machines in retail environments are powered by Cleveron’s lockers, robotics, software and support
• A centralised backend that gives ICA complete operational oversight, from uptime monitoring to customer interaction.
• Carrier workflows are kept fully independent, with no cross-access or data leakage between operators.

By embedding logistics into the everyday rhythm of retail, ICA is offering a delivery solution and, as a result, redefining what it means to be a countrywide infrastructure provider.

Why Retail-Driven Open Network works for Europe

Unlike North America or other high-density markets, Europe is built on compact cities, local commerce, and multimodal mobility. Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) fits this landscape perfectly.

The European Advantage:

• Retail proximity: Most consumers already live within walking distance of a grocery or convenience store.
  
• Eco-conscious mindset: Reducing delivery emissions through consolidated drop-off points aligns with urban sustainability goals.
  
• Regulatory fit: An open network aligns with Europe’s data privacy expectations and competition-friendly policies.

Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) isn’t a temporary workaround. It’s a system-level innovation for how parcel delivery should work in a connected, urban Europe.

Cleveron’s role in building the future

At Cleveron, we don’t just provide lockers and robotic solutions, we deliver ecosystems which boasts of a complete parcel management solution. 

With over 15 years of parcel technology innovation, our platform supports Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) implementations with:

• Scalable hardware options: From robotic solutions to compact lockers.
  
• Multi-carrier orchestration tools: Keeping operations secure and seamless.
  
• Retail-centric configuration: Giving network owners control over branding and business.

Whether you operate 5 stores or 500, a well-crafted Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) lets you own your delivery network, without owning a fleet.

From storefront to smart logistics

A Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) reflects a shift in how we think about logistics. It’s not about centralising everything. It’s about distributing intelligently by using spaces people already know and trust to create a more responsive, resilient delivery network.

It gives retailers power, respects carriers’ independence, and gives consumers the flexibility they deserve. At Cleveron, we’re not just imagining this future, we’re building it store by store, parcel by parcel. Let’s turn your retail locations into logistics hubs. Reach out to explore how Cleveron can support your Retail-Driven Open Network(RDON) journey.

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