North West will see online deliveries increase to 29% by 2018

The North West will see volume of online deliveries increase by 29% to 134 million by 2018 according to research commissioned by Barclays.

According to the report, demand for buying clothing and footwear over the internet is set to continue, making up 20% of all deliveries over the next four years, the highest of any product sector.

Digital music and film downloads are expected to decline by 39% over the coming years as subscription-based services increase in popularity.

By 2018, online food deliveries will overtake the number of book deliveries to become the online retail sector with the third highest volume of deliveries.

Online retail is expected to see significant growth in deliveries over the next four years, according to a new report from Barclays, as people increasingly use smartphones and tablets to place orders and take advantage of new flexible and convenient delivery options.

The research, independently commissioned by Barclays’ Retail and Transport & Logistics banking sector teams,reveals thatin 2013, products ordered online generated just over 1billion deliveries; by 2018 this figure is expected to grow to justover 1.35 billion, a 29% increase.

The Report shows that growth will largely be driven by clothing and footwear, but that the food and grocery market will also become increasingly important, overtaking books in the number of deliveries by 2018, as grocers introduce more convenient and flexible delivery and collection services.

Electricals is forecast to be the highest growth sector for deliveries, with the number of packages expected to increase by 61% over the next four years.

Michael Hartig, managing director, Corporate Banking at Barclays in the North West, commented: “Not only is the online purchasing and delivery market growing, it is also having to evolve quicker and more radically than previously.

“Driven by the increasing use of tablet and mobile devices, almost seven in ten consumers say they are looking for more innovative and rapid delivery options such as Sunday delivery.

“Although they seek more flexibility in delivery options, consumers are still very conscious of keeping prices low with cost influencing consumers preference more than any other factor including quality of service.

“Already, retailers are starting to introduce more convenient and flexible delivery services such as non- store based click and collect pick up points.

“However, with the online sales momentum set to continue, our research shows that it is more important than ever for retailers to reassess their online strategy and boost investment in the online fulfilment process to maximise the benefits of this growing market place.”