New research from InPost UK has revealed how more consumers than ever are utilising lockers for deliveries, creating an opportunity for stores that host them.
The survey of 2,000 UK consumers, which asked them when and why they use parcel lockers, their parcel habits and shopping patterns, found that 41% of consumers now receive parcels via lockers while 44% send parcels this way.
Mounting frustrations regarding home deliveries was cited as the main reason for the shift towards utilising lockers. Recent research from the Citizens Advice found that more than a third of consumers experienced an issue with their most recent parcel delivery, including missed deliveries and lost packages to rising parcel theft, creating frustration for shoppers and operational burdens for merchants and retailers.
Commenting on the research, InPost network director, Paul Selvey, explained why lockers have become the delivery method of choice for consumers. “Britain is losing time and consumers are growing increasingly frustrated with outdated delivery models,” he said. “Our network of over 13,000 lockers is designed to keep pace with modern life, delivering real, measurable value for every partner involved, including merchants, retail partners and consumers.
“By placing InPost Lockers in the most convenient, high-traffic locations, we’re creating a service that removes friction for shoppers while driving footfall, repeat visits and incremental sales for sites. No waiting in, no queues, no missed deliveries, reduced theft - just a faster, more reliable way to send and receive parcels. For our partners, lockers aren’t just a utility, they’re a growth engine. And for shoppers, they’re becoming the smarter standard for modern delivery.”
According to the InPost research, locker users make unplanned purchases when visiting a location, including an average of £15.60 at forecourts, £14.30 at supermarkets and £5.20 at convenience stores. The research also found that 78% make purchases during their visit and that up to 68% of convenience store visits are now prompted by the presence of a parcel locker.
Speaking to Convenience Store, Selvey said retailers could be generating more sales from customers using lockers at their sites. “Retailers should be looking at how they can maximise the return on having these new customers in their stores and introducing more occasion-based categories such as food to go, meal for later and big night in that are growing within the convenience channel. If I was a convenience store owner, I would be looking to build on that £5.20 with categories that will maximise spending.”
Selvey revealed that InPost was approaching the 14,000 locker milestone in the coming weeks but didn’t think that was anywhere near enough in terms of UK coverage. “It’s all linked in with the growth of e-commerce and the capacity required to service it but I foresee a future where there are up to 100,000 parcel lockers in the UK. Within the next five to seven years, I think there will be a minimum of 60,000 to 80,000 lockers to serve the capacity required.”
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