New data has revealed that spring clear-out season is well and truly in full swing, with over 6.3 million parcels being sent, collected or returned from online marketplaces since the start of spring, thanks to their local corner shop.
With 47% of consumers selling through marketplaces in the last year, resale platforms continue to boom in popularity as second-hand clothes and other items are increasingly being used to earn an extra income stream. A recent survey of UK adults found that 60% of sellers are motivated by earning additional income, while 31% are simply trying to declutter.
The data highlights how local convenience stores are facilitating this, with over a quarter of a million parcels processed through Collect+ stores in one day alone, as people used the Easter Bank holiday to declutter their wardrobes.
But it’s not just sellers cashing in. As consumers look for convenient and secure places to send their sold goods, 52% said they are more likely to visit their local convenience shop if it offers parcel services – providing local retailers a welcome boost in footfall, but also spend.
58% of UK adults say they purchase food and household essentials, while 23% use banking services provided by local retailers when making parcel drop offs or pick ups.
Younger consumers are leading this charge, with an overwhelming 97% of 25–34-year-olds saying they have picked up additional groceries and supplies during a visit to a store for a parcel. More than a quarter (28%) said they typically spent £10 or more in the process.
Sam Holden, director of parcels and e-eommerce at PayPoint, commented:“Spring cleaning has become something of a national sport, and our data shows people are not just decluttering – they’re cashing in. What’s really interesting is that this isn’t just a win for sellers; it’s turning local corner shops into essential parcel hubs for communities, as people look for safe and familiar places to collect and send parcels.
This trend in turn is driving extra footfall and spend for local convenience stores, whilst also generating commission at a time when local retailers need it most.”
We have found the main reason for consumers to choose Collect+ is the convenience of the store location (38%) and in addition the flexible opening hours (35%). There is a Collect+ store within 2 miles of most UK postcodes.
