Shoppers look to local retailers for safer parcel collection and returns

Collect+ data has revealed UK consumers are increasingly placing greater value on secure parcel delivery options, as concerns rise around “porch piracy”.

The research found that more than two-thirds (67 percent) of consumers have experienced an issue with a parcel delivery, including missing or stolen parcels. One in 12 consumers now identify parcel security as their primary concern when choosing a delivery option.

The findings come amid growing concern around parcel theft and delivery security across the UK. Last year, data was released to show a record £666.5m worth of parcels were stolen across the country, up from roughly £377m the year prior.

Amidst this backdrop, the research revealed a strong adoption of parcel shop services, with 73 percent of consumers having used a parcel shop, demonstrating the growing role they play in the UK’s delivery ecosystem. The younger generations were the most likely to use retailers for parcel services, with 77 percent of 18-24 and 79 percent of 25-34 year olds using their local shop or convenience store to collect, send or return parcels.

Flexibility is key

Alongside security, convenience and flexibility are also front of mind, with shoppers increasingly looking for delivery options that fit around their routines. Almost nine in ten (87% percent) consumers say having a choice of delivery and collection options is important when making online purchases, while a third (33 percent) cite flexibility around collection options as a key consideration, reflecting busy lifestyles and shifting working patterns.

An overwhelming 88 percent said proximity to either work or home was key when deciding where to collect, return and send parcels. Collect+, with its network of more than 14,000 secure parcel locations across the UK, helps meet this demand by providing convenient local collection points, many of which are open early until late, seven days a week, making it easier for shoppers to fit parcel collection around their daily schedules.

Sam Holden, Director of Parcels and E-Commerce at PayPoint, said: “Security is front of mind for many shoppers, particularly when deliveries are left unattended. Parcel shops give consumers reassurance that their parcels are being held safely until they are ready to collect them.

At the same time, customers want delivery options that fit around their lives, whether that means collecting on the way home from work or returning an online purchase at the weekend. Our retailer network across the country are helping make that possible, providing convenient, local locations where shoppers can collect and return parcels securely.”