More than half of UK consumers are now using delivery lockers for online purchases, according to fresh research by Retail Economics and InPost.
The research found that locker use rose to 71% for Gen Z and 68% for millennials, with convenience (36%), lower costs (19%) and speed (17%) emerging as the top three reasons for their choice.
Security concerns was also cited as “an important consideration for locker users”, with the research showing 20% of consumers have had items go missing from their doorstep.
As the lockers have gained popularity, they have now been voted the second most frequently used delivery option, second only to home delivery (74%), but ahead of click and collect’(21%).
The research found that of those that have used delivery lockers, over half ranked them as either their first or second choice in delivery options, and almost three quarters (71.7%) in their top three.
While convenience is key, Retail Economics and InPost said consumer behaviour is also driven by increasing concerns over sustainability, with 84.2% of shoppers believing lockers to be a “greener solution” than the alternatives.
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As almost half (48.5%) of over 65-year-olds who participated in the research said being offered a broad range of delivery options is “unimportant”, the increase in popularity is being driven by younger consumers.
A third of shoppers (35.5%) from the Gen Z and millennial consumer groups considered having options when it comes to delivery as the most important factor and said they would also be happy to pay more for it.
Retail Economics CEO Richard Lim said: “The retail landscape is rapidly evolving and delivery lockers are becoming integral to its evolution. This ongoing transition reflects developments in technology, operational capabilities and shifts in consumer behaviour.”
“With household budgets squeezed, shoppers want to avoid unnecessary associated costs with online purchases such as delivery and return fees. This poses challenges for retailers already grappling with margin pressures and rising operating costs, prompting lockers rising in prominence as an effective solution.”
InPost international commercial director Peter Blackburn said: “The trend for out-of-home deliveries is only continuing to grow and InPost is proud to revolutionise the delivery journey for customers across the UK and beyond.
“Cost-saving, secure, environmentally friendly and convenient, our solution is resonating with today’s consumer and retailer and we hope to continue this journey together.”
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