Online shopping spend increases as lockdown eases

A study released today by Royal Mail shows that consumers shopped more frequently in June 2020 and online shopping spend increased slightly compared to the previous month. Royal Mail’s Delivery Matters COVID-19 survey reported that on average, online shoppers spent £226 on purchasing goods in June 2020, compared to £213 in May. This compares to an average online shopping spend of £226 over a three-month period in 2019.

Women were more likely to have shopped online more frequently than men. Those aged over 35 years old had a significantly higher monthly spend in June than those aged 18-34 years old – £247 vs. £163.

Consumer spend changes as lockdown eases

Priorities have shifted as lockdown measures ease. Shoppers are still purchasing DIY equipment and gardening products but demand here is starting to return to normal levels, whilst spend on clothing and footwear, makeup and food and drink continues to grow. For food and drink, 44% bought online in June 2020 compared to 28% over a three-month period in 2019*.

With 33% of those surveyed seeing a decrease in their income, free delivery is seen as a top priority. Being kept informed on delivery progress is also important.

The Delivery Matters COVID-19 survey reveals that Royal Mail continues to lead the market in terms of awareness and preference. Posties are considered the most trustworthy delivery carriers. 76% of online shoppers trust Royal Mail to deliver more than anyone else. In uncertain times a familiar, reliable service matters.

Increasing Royal Mail parcel capacity

To help cope with the significant increase in demand, Royal Mail has recently signed a deal with Beumer Group to design and build the automated parcel sorting system for its new fully automated North West parcel hub in Warrington. Analysts predict that even as lockdown lifts online sales will continue to account for a significant proportion of sales. The Warrington parcel hub is ideally-situated for the warehousing and fulfilment centres of major online retailers to support the growing demand for next day delivery and the delivery of larger items.

“COVID-19 and lockdown have driven major changes in consumer habits, including the way we shop. As lockdown begins to ease our research shows that online spend is still increasing but the mix of items bought continues to change as we all adjust to the new normal. Online ordering and home delivery of clothing, makeup, food and drink look set to stay as the one off or more occasional DIY and gardening purchases move back towards normal levels. As people continue to shop more online, at Royal Mail we continue to deliver the trusted and quality service they expect. Royal Mail has played a key role in keeping the UK economy going during the COVID-19 crisis. The research highlights that our postmen and postwomen are trusted to deliver more than anyone else, especially in these challenging times.”
– Nick Landon, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Mail