DHL Express saw almost a 60 per cent increase in business-to-customer deliveries throughout December, compared to the previous year, which it believes is down to an increase in online shopping.
Jonathan Smith, managing director of DHL Express UK, said: “The increase in the number of packages we delivered to UK homes this Christmas season indicates that despite the economic downturn, consumer confidence in online shopping remained robust during the peak festive period, with consumers continuing to take advantage of opportunities for savings by shopping online.
“To respond to the growing B2C market and counter the effects of the B2B parcel delivery market, which is seeing some decline, we’ve evolved with the market and revolutionised our home delivery service. We recognised the need for a service that takes the hassle out of home delivery so we operate a flexible delivery model that enables home shoppers to receive their packages at a time that suits them.”
Research carried out by e-retailing industry body Interactive Media in Retail Group shows that in the run up to Christmas online shopping in 2008 was later, larger and longer than in 2007.
It also found than traffic to retail websites during the period was higher than in 2007 and transaction volumes were up nine per cent in November and 28 per cent in December.
James Roper, CEO at IMRG, said: “Though the number of people shopping online on Christmas Day was 14% lower than in 2007, the volume of transactions was 26 per cent higher, and the value rose by 21 per cent.”
