Royal Mail is expecting to deliver a record number of goods ordered online as Christmas presentsthis year as the British B2C parcels market continues its strong growth. It has launched two new
delivery services to ensure quality delivery services.The British postal operator predicted that it will deliver a record 120 million items orderedonline this festive season, which would be double the number handled just three years ago. The UK’s27 million online shoppers are expected to spend £15 billion online in the run up to Christmas, up60% on last year, according to industry body IMRG, it added.
Royal Mail said it has been working with internet retailers to plan for the online rush forChristmas deliveries, and has recently launched two new services to improve the delivery experiencefor shoppers and help online stores offer the best service possible.
Royal Mail Tracked enables retailers to provide their customers with a tracking number whenthe goods ordered are dispatched so that the shopper can track the progress of the deliverythemselves. The Safeplace service gives shoppers the opportunity to specify a safe, alternativedelivery point, such as a shed, porch or neighbour, should they not be at home to receive the item,the company said.
The Royal Mail Home Shopping Tracker Study 2007 revealed that the average online shopper nowpurchases over 27 times a year, spending £1,221. But the role of catalogues in the virtual world isa strong as ever, and shoppers who browse them before making purchases online spend £1,526 a year –25 per cent more than those who don’t.
Val Walker, Head of Multi-channel Retail at Royal Mail, said: “Retailers with an onlineoffering are predicting strong sales this Christmas and as a result we expect to deliver a recordbreaking 120 million items during the festive season.
“Increased internet use and broadband access, investment in online activities by high streetstores, and the fact that millions of people enjoy shopping on the web because of its convenience,are all factors driving the strong sales growth.”
