UPS has introduced a Saturday delivery service across several European markets in order to tap into ecommerce growth.
The Saturday Standard service includes delivery by end of day or an express service providing delivery by noon. The service is offered at UPS’s normal weekday cost when shipping to one of its 17,000 click and collect points.
The service will now be available in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Poland.
Mark Vale, president for UK, Ireland and the Nordics at UPS, said: “According to the IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, retail ecommerce sales in the UK grew nearly 33% in May as customers turned to online shopping during the lockdown.
“Traditional delivery options limited to Monday through Friday no longer fit our customers’ expectations. UPS has introduced Saturday deliveries so that British businesses shipping with UPS can now deliver six days a week to their customers, allowing them to meet increased demand and ensure a positive delivery experience.”
Lou Rivieccio, president of UPS Europe, said: “The pandemic has accelerated the growth of e-commerce, with online retail sales in Europe growing by more than 60% at the height of lockdowns in mid-April.
“Introducing Saturday deliveries for UPS Standard is one way that we’re helping businesses adjust to the new environment, by offering them the services they need to meet their customers’ expectations. Online retailers can now benefit from cross-border Saturday deliveries with UPS, reaching about 80% of the population in eight key European ecommerce markets.”
