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October 2025 - Retail

UK parcel lockers see huge increase in usage, new research discovers: Over the past year, more than 115 million parcels were returned or delivered through parcel lockers in the UK; this constitutes 7% of all online orders (87 million) and 12% of all online returns (28 million). InPost UK, who commissioned the research, processed a staggering 24 million parcels in Q1 2025 alone. The report findings indicate a shift in consumer delivery preferences to more convenient and flexible options. 

InPost partnered with consultancy Retail Economics to survey 2,000 UK consumers exploring key themes including locker adoption and shifting expectations of convenience. The research took place in January 2024 and is being used to help retailers and logistics providers to harness growth potential through a better understanding of changing consumer behaviours.

Two in five UK adults have used a parcel locker in the past year, with a further 20% who have not yet done so, suggesting they would be willing to in the future. The rates of usage tend to differ between age groups with two thirds (66%) of Gen Zs and over half of Millennials (54%) having used a locker in the past year, demonstrating the strong appeal to the younger generation. 

Lockers are strategically placed in high footfall areas such as supermarkets (39%) and convenience stores/post offices (29%). This helps consumers combine it with everyday activities like food shopping and commuting, which nearly nine in ten (88%) say they do. Almost two fifths (39%) of shoppers stated they use the lockers for their convenience (up from 36% last year), making it the most favoured benefit. Another advantage is the security of the lockers. 15% of users state this as the main driver for their use (increasing from 12% last year). Customers appreciate the safety and predictability aspect as it cuts out missed parcels and doorstep theft. Just over one tenth (12%) of respondents value lockers for their eco-friendly approach. Delivery traffic is cut by putting the parcels all in one place, helping to reduce fuel consumption and decrease emissions.

The increase in parcel locker adoption detailed in this report, and reasons for this behaviour, show how consumers are increasingly looking for more secure, reliable and eco-friendly self-service options when selecting methods of delivery collection and return.

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