The Westgate Centre in Oxford is linking up with a new bag collection service for shoppers.

From Thursday, customers will be able to use a Dropit bag 'consolidation and collection service', alongside home delivery.

The centre says it will offer shoppers more convenience.

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The majority of stores are participating, meaning shoppers can 'drop as they shop' and enjoy a bag free retail experience.

A Westgate Oxford guest experience team member or Dropit ambassador will be notified when a bag has been dropped at a store and they will then be collected on behalf of the shopper. 

Oxford Mail:

Customers can collect all their purchases together from the Guest Experience Desk, and can also choose to have bags delivered to their homes, hotels or workplaces nationwide, as well as same day delivery options within the Oxford area.

The Westgate team is planning for a bike courier service to be added onto the Dropit service menu later in the year, helping to reduce traffic and promoting the use of cycling.

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Brendan Hattam, centre director at Westgate Oxford, said: "We are delighted to launch Hands-free Shopping at Westgate Oxford, powered by Dropit. 

Oxford Mail:

"We are committed to delivering the best possible service to our guests, and by introducing an on-site bag consolidation and collection service, alongside home delivery in partnership with Dropit, we can improve our customer service offering.

"This service will be particularly helpful this Christmas, for those guests visiting us to complete their Christmas shopping and those who want to enjoy our leisure and dining offering bags-free.”

Karin Cabili, founder and CEO of Dropit, added: “We are very excited to welcome Westgate Oxford to the Dropit family. 

Oxford Mail:

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"With our service, guests can explore the array of entertainment, leisure and dining options with the convenience of having their bags securely stored for collection or delivered direct to their door."

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF