UK ecommerce parcel volumes remained broadly flat during the second quarter of 2026, but new data from delivery management platform Scurri suggests retailers are experiencing a much more nuanced market, with consumers becoming increasingly selective about where they spend.
Scurri’s latest Ecommerce Delivery Index found overall parcel volumes grew by just 0.2% year on year between April and June. However, behind those headline figures significant differences emerged between retail sectors, delivery preferences and international destinations.
Demand was strongest in categories where shoppers typically have a clear purchase intention. Electronics recorded the largest year on year increase in parcel volumes at 63.5%, followed by Tool & DIY (23.2%), Sports Equipment (21.7%), Homewares (21.5%) and Medical products (20.6%).
Some of this growth reflects seasonal events and external influences. Electronics retailers benefited from increased demand around major sporting events, while favourable weather helped drive spending on DIY and outdoor improvement projects.
At the same time, fashion (-14.0%), food and drink (-9.6%), gifting (-5.7%) and pet products (-4.4%) all experienced lower parcel volumes, highlighting a more targeted approach to consumer spending.
The research also shows that delivery expectations remain firmly centred on speed. Next Day and Two-Day delivery continue to account for more than four in ten ecommerce orders, demonstrating that rapid fulfilment remains a core expectation for online shoppers. Meanwhile, Signature delivery recorded 34.3% year on year growth, suggesting both retailers and consumers are placing greater emphasis on delivery certainty for higher value purchases, perhaps correlating with growth in electronics.
The fashion and beauty sector presents a slightly different picture. While Next Day and Two-Day services account for almost 80% of deliveries, Signature services experienced the strongest growth, increasing by 36.8% year on year.
Scurri’s data also points to changing international opportunities. While UK parcel volumes declined by 2.9%, retailers recorded strong growth across several European markets, including Germany (44.7%), Belgium (24.8%), France (17.9%) and the Netherlands (16.4%), suggesting some merchants are increasingly looking beyond the domestic market to drive growth.
Rory O’Connor, founder and CEO of Scurri, said: “The headline numbers suggest year on year ecommerce growth was relatively flat in Q2, but that’s not what retailers are experiencing. Consumers have become far more selective, we’re seeing them spending with greater intent, while retailers are finding opportunities in specific categories, seasonal events and new international markets. At the same time, customers continue to expect fast, reliable delivery, making fulfilment performance more important than ever,”
He added: “The findings suggest the next phase of ecommerce will be defined more by operational precision, with retailers needing to align stock, fulfilment and delivery strategies more closely to changing consumer behaviour. Those that can react quickly to shifting demand and execute consistently will be best placed to succeed.”
