UK ecommerce parcel volumes remained broadly flat during the second quarter of 2026, according to new data from delivery management platform Scurri. However, while overall volumes were largely unchanged, the figures suggest retailers are operating in a far more nuanced market, with consumers becoming increasingly selective about where and when they spend.
Scurri’s latest Ecommerce Delivery Index found parcel volumes grew by just 0.2% year on year between April and June. The findings align with wider industry data showing that ecommerce maintained its share of total retail sales during the quarter, rather than generating significant growth.
Demand varies considerably by category
Beneath the headline figures, however, demand varied considerably by category, with the strongest performance coming from sectors where shoppers typically have a clear purchase intent.
Electronics led the way, recording a 63.5% year-on-year increase in parcel volumes, followed by Tool & DIY (23.2%), Sports Equipment (21.7%), Homewares (21.5%) and Medical products (20.6%).
The warm weather and a busy sporting calendar helped drive spending on consumer electronics, outdoor living and home improvement projects. Not every sector benefited, however. Fashion (-14.0%), Food & Drink (-9.6%), Gifting (-5.7%) and Pet Products (-4.4%) all saw parcel volumes decline during the quarter.
Consumers prioritise speed
Delivery expectations remain high. Scurri’s data shows that next-day and two-day delivery options now account for more than four in 10 ecommerce orders, underlining the importance consumers place on speed and convenience.
At the same time, signature delivery services grew by 34.3% year on year, indicating rising demand for delivery certainty, particularly for higher-value purchases. Interestingly, Fashion & Beauty recorded the strongest growth in signature services, increasing by 36.8%.
International markets also provided a bright spot for retailers. While UK parcel volumes fell by 2.9%, strong growth was recorded across several European destinations, including Germany (44.7%), Belgium (24.8%), France (17.9%) and the Netherlands (16.4%).
Commenting on the findings, Rory O’Connor, Founder and CEO of Scurri, said the headline figures mask the reality many 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,” he said. “At the same time, customers continue to expect fast, reliable delivery, making fulfilment performance more important than ever.”
O’Connor added that operational agility will be critical as consumer behaviour continues to evolve: “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.”
Ecommerce growth may have remained flat at a headline level, but Scurri’s data suggests that retailers that can respond quickly to changing demand patterns, invest in fulfilment excellence and expand into growth markets are still finding plenty of opportunities to outperform.
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