Technologies

Amazon lockers are popping up in odd places. They aren’t always welcome

The company has installed lockers in places like a park’s path and an obscured side of a gas station, blocking walkers and tempting criminals.

Amazon installed a clutch of metal lockers outside a Fresno, California, gas station convenience store built in 2019 so customers could pick up packages they didn’t want delivered directly to their homes. The shiny lockers shared a computerized screen and sported the e-commerce giant’s ubiquitous smile logo.

The problem, according to a Fresno city councilmember’s complaints last November, was that they were placed along the side of the building, out of sight of security cameras. It wasn’t hard to predict what happened next: Someone tried to get into the lockers.

The attempted break-in should have been a palm-to-forehead moment for Amazon, says the councilmember, Miguel Arias, because that unmonitored location was sure to tempt criminals. After all, the lockers could collectively hold thousands of dollars of merchandise, far more alluring than the inexpensive bags of ice typically found in vending machines in front of the pumps.

«I don’t know how they landed on a gas station,» Arias said of Amazon’s decision to install the lockers. «It’s where you get a beer on your way home after hours, not a place where you go to get your $500 iPhone.» (The convenience store, a local chain called Johnny Quik, didn’t respond to a request for comment.)

Fresno isn’t alone in experiencing frustration with Amazon lockers as the company installs them across the country to thwart thieves looking for its easy-to-recognize packages on neighborhood stoops. Chicago residents were baffled when a set of Amazon lockers were installed directly onto a walkway in a city park, partially obstructing a path and adding corporate branding to leafy municipal amenities. Photos of the lockers were widely shared on Twitter and Reddit. Businesses have also had second thoughts after striking deals to host the lockers.

The Chicago conflict taps into larger objections to corporate intrusion onto public property. Corporate names have been added to subway stations and high school sports stadiums. Even the National Parks Service has pondered naming benches and interior spaces after corporate donors. Transit agencies cover buses and fill train stations with ads.

An Amazon smile in a Chicago park might strike some as a small, if obtrusive, element of the tapestry of corporate messaging already in the public sphere. Still, activists and civic planners question whether parks should be added to the list of corporate logo-filled locations. Park space is supposed to serve everyone, not just Amazon customers, said Jennifer Minner, a professor of city and regional planning at Cornell University.

«Installing lockers that essentially serve people who are spending money is taking away a broader public benefit that serves more people,» Minner said.

Most locker placements are uncontroversial, and lockers at bus depots and 7-Elevens rarely raise eyebrows. Nevertheless, an awkwardly located locker plays into a broader image problem Amazon has had in managing local relations. The company has been blamed for putting Main Street booksellers and local retailers out of business with predatory low pricing. And community activists have raised concerns about working conditions for Amazon’s subcontracted delivery drivers and at its warehouses — which are sometimes set up in the disused malls it’s blamed for putting out of business.

Amazon didn’t provide information about whether it implements safety and crime prevention measures around its outdoor lockers, or whether that’s the responsibility of the organizations hosting the lockers. But Av Zammit, an Amazon spokesman, said in a statement that the company values community feedback. Amazon is reviewing the locker placement in Chicago «to ensure they are all located in appropriate areas that serve both customers and the community,» he said.

Amazon spokesperson Alyssa Bronikowski provided further comment. «We have been working closely with the Chicago Park District since 2020 to add Amazon Lockers following requests from the district for this added benefit for the community,» she said. «The focus of our partnership has been to provide park patrons and community members with access to a secure and convenient delivery option.»

Amazon launched its lockers 10 years ago in Seattle, New York state and the Washington, DC, area. Since then, the lockers have been part of its Amazon Hub service, which includes Whole Foods locations where Amazon customers can pick up their packages at the counter. As of 2019, Amazon said it had installed lockers in more than 900 cities and towns in the US.

Some high-rise apartments also have lockers installed so tenants don’t have to wait at home for a delivery or depend on an apartment manager to give them their packages. Amazon Locker Plus locations offer self-service kiosks as well as an Amazon attendant to help. UPS also offers delivery lockers with its Access Point Program, and some third-party companies offer lockers that accept packages from multiple carriers. Walmart installed parcel lockers in its own stores, but recently began phasing them out.

Locking out porch pirates

Amazon markets the locker installations as a way to combat porch piracy, another problem the company helped create. The lockers also serve as a source of income for public agencies and businesses that host them, though in many cases the rent Amazon pays isn’t disclosed. In Jacksonville, Florida, for example, Amazon partnered with the transportation authority to install lockers at bus terminals and transportation hubs. The agency didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The company struck a similar arrangement in Johnson County, Kansas, with local 7-Eleven stores. 7-Eleven didn’t respond to a request for information on how it handles the safety of outdoor lockers.

Neither partnership has prompted complaints about safety or vandalism.

Still, the placement of Amazon lockers hasn’t always gone smoothly. Staples and RadioShack ended agreements with the company in 2013, removing a service that had invited a competitor into their stores. A set of lockers at Sacramento State University in California was removed two months after it was installed in 2014 because the campus bookstore had the exclusive right to serve as a bookseller at the college.

Few installations have gone as poorly as a recent placement in Chicago’s Brands Park.

In photos posted online, one monolithic segment of lockers appears to consume roughly a third of the walkway and create a blind corner. The placement is near a fence that would make it difficult for a delivery person to unload a dolly of packages while still leaving room for park visitors to get by, especially a visitor who’s in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller.

Community members quickly objected. A petition calling for the removal of the lockers appeared on Change.org and racked up more than 13,000 signatures. (The goal was 15,000.) Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, who represents the ward that includes the park, complained about the corporate logo marring public property even though the city was getting rent for the placements.

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Rodriguez-Sanchez said on Twitter that the Amazon-branded behemoths are «a slap in the face,» in part because they would net the parks department roughly $137,600 in the first year, at most.

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The lockers have been removed from Brands Park, as well as another Chicago park. The program, which had already led to the installation of lockers in 49 parks and aimed for a total of 102 lockers locations, is on hold while the parks department reviews Amazon’s plans.

There’s also the question of how safe Amazon customers might feel going to a park after work, potentially in the dark, to pick up a valuable package. In Fresno, city councilmember Arias said the lockers at the Johnny Quik have become an amenity for his constituents because the convenience store increased safety by installing additional lighting and security cameras. Still, he wondered how no one thought of that concern to begin with.

«You can credit Amazon for a lot of innovation in their logistical delivery system,» Arias said. But the initial installation showed «a lack of understanding of the local community.»

Technologies

Verum Ecosystem: The Future of Digital Communication and Finance

In an era of rapid technological changes, where the world demands new approaches to communication, data security, and financial management, the Verum ecosystem emerges as a pivotal technological breakthrough. It’s not just a collection of standalone applications but a seamlessly integrated platform that unites cutting-edge innovations in one environment. At its core is Verum Messenger, transforming traditional communication and financial operations. However, this is merely the tip of the iceberg: behind the messenger lies an entire ecosystem of products, each uniquely designed to redefine the digital landscape.

This article dives deep into what the Verum ecosystem offers and how its products interact to create a unified digital space.

Verum Messenger: A Tool for Communication and Security

Verum Messenger is not just a messaging app. It’s a multifunctional platform prioritizing reliability, security, and user convenience. Unlike most messengers, Verum focuses on integrating various technologies to create the perfect communication environment:

Verum AI: Integrated directly into the messenger, this chatbot is a smart assistant capable of handling tasks like data searches, task planning, message responses, data analysis, and more complex operations.
Built-in VPN: A crucial feature for ensuring privacy. Unlike standard VPN services, users can activate protection with a single click without leaving the messenger. This is especially vital for those who value anonymity online and frequently use public Wi-Fi networks.
E-SIM Integration: Enables users to connect to mobile internet without needing a physical SIM card. This technology eliminates roaming issues and significantly simplifies mobile connectivity management, offering access to networks in over 150 countries worldwide.

Verum Coin: The Cryptocurrency Uniting the Ecosystem

Verum Coin is not just a cryptocurrency but the economic foundation of the entire ecosystem. This digital asset addresses key challenges related to fast and secure financial operations, both within and beyond the Verum ecosystem:

Low Fees and High Speed: Unlike traditional payment systems, Verum Coin facilitates instant transfers and payments with minimal fees, making it an ideal solution for international transactions.
Versatility: It is used not only within the ecosystem for service payments but also on cryptocurrency exchanges, serving as a bridge between various digital assets.

BitCoinPay Trade: A High-Security Cryptocurrency Exchange

BitCoinPay Trade is not just an exchange but a high-tech platform for cryptocurrency trading:

Secure Transactions: All transfers are protected by advanced encryption methods, eliminating the risk of asset loss or theft.
Accessibility: The platform offers access to a variety of cryptocurrencies and trading options, while also supporting integration with other Verum ecosystem products.

Crypto Bank: A Reliable Wallet for Cryptocurrencies

Crypto Bank offers users a secure storage solution for digital assets. It’s designed for those actively working with cryptocurrencies and valuing financial security.

Easy Buying and Selling: Purchase and sell various cryptocurrencies with just a few taps.
Cryptocurrency Wallets: Support for major cryptocurrencies allows users to choose the most convenient and secure storage options.
Verum Coin and Other Assets: The service fully supports Verum Coin and other major cryptocurrencies, ensuring reliability and simplicity when working within the ecosystem.

Verum Pay: Integrating Cryptocurrency into Business and the Ecosystem

Verum Pay is an innovative solution bridging cryptocurrency capabilities for businesses and Verum ecosystem applications.

Integration with Payment Systems: Its user-friendly interface allows businesses to quickly adopt cryptocurrency for sales and payment processes, offering a modern approach to financial operations.
Usage within Ecosystem Applications: Verum Pay is actively used within the Verum ecosystem, enabling users to pay for services and goods using Verum Coin directly through the messenger, E-SIM platforms, VPNs, and other products.

This makes Verum Pay a universal tool for ecosystem participants and businesses outside the ecosystem, focused on a digital future.

Verum Exchange: Conversion and Mining with High Security

Verum Exchange is a currency and cryptocurrency converter with an integrated Verum Coin mining function. It stands out with:

Simple and Convenient Interface: The platform caters to both beginners and experienced users, offering real-time access to currency and cryptocurrency rates.
Verum Coin Mining: The application includes mining capabilities, allowing users to earn cryptocurrency directly on their phone or tablet.

E-SIM Applications: A Revolution in Mobile Connectivity

Mobile E-SIM applications (Verum E-SIM, World E-SIM, Euro E-SIM, Canada E-SIM, London E-SIM, USA E-SIM, Ukraine E-SIM, Balkan E-SIM, Africa E-SIM) are among the ecosystem’s most ambitious and revolutionary products. This technology provides mobile internet access in over 150 countries without the need for a physical SIM card.

No Roaming or Overcharges: Say goodbye to high international roaming fees. E-SIM allows users to connect to mobile networks with fixed and transparent tariffs, ideal for travelers and business professionals.
Full Integration with Messenger: Mobile connectivity can be managed through a separate app or directly from Verum Messenger, allowing effortless balance control, tariff selection, and service activation.

Verum VPN: Advanced Data Protection

Verum VPN is an integral part of the ecosystem, guaranteeing a high level of security for users.

Complete Encryption: VPN ensures robust data encryption, making it ideal for protecting personal information online, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
Ease of Use: Activating VPN with a single click simplifies its use, requiring no additional user settings.

Verum AI: Artificial Intelligence at Your Fingertips

Verum AI is the heart of the ecosystem, utilizing powerful algorithms for communication, analysis, and creativity while adapting to each user’s needs. Its features include:

Information and Analysis: Quickly find answers to questions, explain complex topics, analyze data, and support informed decision-making.
Creativity and Idea Generation: Generate texts, create scenarios, develop creative concepts, write articles, posts, and assist with design and programming tasks.
Assistance and Learning: Verum AI helps users acquire new skills, solve problems, and enhance their experience.

Verum Runner: A Gaming Ecosystem with Real Earnings

Verum Runner is a crypto-game that allows users to earn Verum Coin in real time. This unique mobile application motivates players to not only have fun but also gain tangible benefits.

Crypto ATMs: Convenience and Accessibility Worldwide

The Verum network of crypto ATMs enables easy exchange of Verum Coin and other popular crypto assets for fiat currency and vice versa, providing users with transaction capabilities anywhere in the world.

Prospects and Development

Verum is not merely addressing current market needs — it is crafting innovative solutions that will shape the future of digital finance and communication. Upcoming plans include launching new services, expanding AI functionality, and integrating with emerging technologies.

Verum is not just creating an ecosystem of digital services; it’s redefining the very approach to communication, finance, and security in the modern world. All ecosystem products work in perfect synergy, delivering unparalleled user experience that ensures privacy, security, and convenience at every step.

Technologies

Verum Coin (VERUM) is Now Available on Halo Wallet

Verum Coin (VERUM) continues to expand its presence in the cryptocurrency market. Users can now store and manage VERUM on Halo Wallet, known for its convenience and security.

Why Halo Wallet?

Halo Wallet is a modern Web3 wallet offering a simple interface and powerful tools for managing digital assets. With its functionality, the platform has gained the trust of millions of users worldwide.

The integration of Verum Coin with Halo Wallet opens up new opportunities for coin holders and makes it even more accessible. Stay tuned for updates and take advantage of the convenient management of your assets!

Technologies

Verum Coin (VERUM) is Now Available for Deposit on Exodus Wallet

Verum Coin (VERUM) continues to enhance its accessibility for users. You can now deposit and store VERUM in one of the most user-friendly and secure crypto wallets — Exodus Wallet.

Why Exodus?

Exodus Wallet is a popular solution for managing digital assets, known for its intuitive interface and high security standards. Millions of users worldwide choose Exodus for its convenience and reliability.

This integration brings Verum Coin even closer to its users, offering seamless storage and asset management. Stay tuned for more updates and stay ahead in the world of cryptocurrency!