How to Use Your Northern Ireland Virtual Address

Since Brexit, shopping on many UK websites can be tricky. Some don’t even ship to Ireland, and others incur hefty customs import fees on arrival. Read on for details on how Virtual Addresses work, along with our pick of some great UK Shopping sites.

19 Jan 2023 - 6 min read

Shopping

In this article, we will explain how to use your OOHPod Northern Ireland Virtual Address and how UK returns work. We'll also give you our insider tips on some of the best UK sites that deliver to Northern Ireland!

For a list of our smart locker locations in Northern Ireland, head over to our Locations page, or find out more about the Services at Jonesborough on our dedicated ParcelShop page.


We all know that having a delivery address just over the border is SO handy! But why exactly do I need one?

  • It gives you access to all your favourite stores, such as Debenhams, EBay UK, John Lewis and TKMaxx
  • Items purchased from mainland UK to Northern Ireland are not subject to import taxes
  • Our ParcelShop in Jonesborough is only 50 minutes from Dublin Airport
  • You can save on hefty delivery costs by shipping to Northern Ireland instead of the Republic of Ireland
  • You can make savings by buying in GBP instead of EUR as some sites offer cheaper pricing in GBP
  • It's a great Parcel Motel alternative, but just remember .. we don't transfer items between lockers
Northern Ireland Signpost - Welcome to Northern Ireland

Using your address


It's very easy to use a virtual address. Once you've signed up to OOHPod, you'll receive your very own OOH ID®. This OOH ID, along with your name and the address of the locker in Northern Ireland, makes up your Virtual Address. When shopping online, enter your address in this format:

Your Name,
OOH ID,
OOHPod Locker,
1 Finegans Road,
Jonesborough,
BT35 8YY


You can use any parcel locker on our network, you can try out different locations depending on whether you are shopping in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. Just remember to include your name, your OOH ID and the correct address.

Collecting your item


When your parcel arrives at one of our Northern Ireland locations, you'll receive a text message (SMS) with 6 character Access Code.
You must travel to the locker your parcel was shipped to, we do not provide an onward forwarding service.

We will store your parcel for 48 hours. After this time has passed, you will have another usage added to your account, and you will receive a new access code.

When you arrive at the locker, choose 'Pick Up' on the screen and enter your access code. The locker door will pop open, and you can take out your parcel.

If you want to try on your new clothes, before you take them home, our Jonesborough store has a has a glitzy fitting room where you can do just that!

OOHPod Try On Room

Sending & returning items


If you’re not happy with a purchase, our staff will help you return your parcel in accordance with retailers options. If it’s a Yodel or UPS  shipment, we can process your return on the spot in our store. If it’s another carrier, we can help you find the best method to return your parcel without any hassle.

Sending parcels from Ireland to the UK can be costly and slow. Because the OOHPod Store is located in the UK, you can send parcels to mainland UK as a domestic journey.  We’re a Collect+ and UPS agent which means you can send a fully tracked parcel for the UK with Yodel from as little as £2.91 or with UPS starting from £6.96.  And don’t worry, we’ll print the label in store for you.

Now you know how easy it all is, read on to discover some of the fantastic UK stores that deliver to Northern Ireland.

10 UK stores for shopping and gifting inspiration

  1. John Lewis 
    The many departments mean that there is something for everyone under the one roof! Designer fashion, all the latest tech, and even gorgeous homewares. Fast delivery to Northern Ireland available. Shop John Lewis

  2. Debenhams
    A lot of us might immediately think of beauty and cosmetics when we think of Debenhams, however they also have both women’s and men’s fashion from lots of our favourite brands, as well as a fantastic gifting section. Debenhams no longer deliver to the Republic of Ireland, so a perfect use for your NI Virtual Address. Shop Debenhams.

  3. JD Williams
    JD Williams also have a wide range of departments, and often have excellent sales. They offer payment plans and a delivery saver option which includes Northern Ireland if you are a frequent shopper. Shop JD Williams

  4. Amazon
    Amazon is, of course, now the go to for almost anything you could need online. While Brexit and additional charges have made it slightly more difficult to shop on Amazon, our services mean that you can comfortably shop without any worries. You will also be able to purchase products that would not normally ship to the Republic of Ireland. Shop Amazon UK

  5. Etsy
    If you are looking for a more personalised gift for your loved one, Etsy is the perfect option. Featuring one of a kind products from creative sellers who are passionate about what they do, you will be sure to find something for everyone; no matter their interest. While there are Irish sellers on the site, our service will allow you to avail of a wider range of sellers, making it even easier to find the perfect gift. Shop Etsy UK

  6. The Range
    If you are wanting to give your home a refresh, then The Range is a must. They have everything you could possibly dream of for all your seasonal needs, and while they do have physical stores here in the Republic of Ireland, you you can also shop online from the comfort of your own home. Shop The Range

  7. Marks & Spencers
    For value and quality for the whole family, Marks & Spencers is a great choice. Their UK store has an even wider variety than their Irish online store and it works out a little bit cheaper than the Euro prices. You heard it here first, shop and save with this and you can thank us! Shop M&S UK

  8. eBay
    The original and newly revamped marketplace, eBay is having something of a revival. The trends towards sustainable purchases and the circular economy are giving it a new lease of life. Shop from your home and send to one of our UK locations to get great value and boost your eco-credentials. Shop eBay UK

  9. TKMaxx
    The home of the bargain, TKMaxx UK ship to Northern Ireland and offer low cost delivery over £100. If you want to purchase larger homeware items from here or any other UK store, don't forget we offer oversize in Jonesborough and other NI locations. Check our locations page for all the details. Shop TK Maxx UK

  10. Argos
    Argos is a great option for furniture, outdoors, electronics and toys. They also sell on behalf of Habitat, another great UK retailer of homeware. With the recent news of Argos stores closing in the Republic of Ireland, you can continue shopping with this great retailer with your NI Virtual Address. And like above, you can send larger items to any of our locations offering oversize. Shop Argos UK

We're sure there are many more great UK stores offering delivery and choice to Irish customers north and south of the border. Do you use any other sites regularly? Send us a message on our social channels or email us at hello@oohpod.com with any comments or ideas!