Christmas is but a few short weeks away and people are already hurrying around the high street shops buying gifts for family and friends. However, all our courier customers will be pleased to read that there are an increasing number of people forecast to shop online again this December as was the case in 2013.
Earlier this year, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported that in December 2013 more people shopped online than in previous years. In fact, almost 20% of non-food items were purchased through the Internet in that month. Furthermore, there was a 19.2% increase in online sales for that month in 2013 in comparison to December 2012 making it the most rapid increase in a four-year period.
So, what sort of volume in non-food sales are being forecast for this Christmas? Well, it is predicted that Internet sales will rise by around 14% with about 25% of shoppers intending to purchase more online. Total online sales in the UK are expected to be in the region of £4.7 billion.
Just to illustrate the above, let us tell you about Yodel that delivers in the region of 145 million parcels per annum. To cope with the Christmas rush, it is to take on an additional 5,000 staff both on a full and part-time basis and started training them back in September. This is to cope with around one million parcels that will require delivering every day leading up to Christmas.
Of these extra staff, there will be 2,830 couriers operating on a self-employed basis recruited to make local deliveries. The company will also be taking on an extra 750 warehouse personnel to work within its centres that sort parcels. Interestingly, Yodel expects some staff to continue working for them after Christmas. Deliveries will be made every day of the week during the festive period.
We wish every one of our valued courier clients a busy and prosperous festive period.
At AIB we specialise insuring couriers and can provide goods in transit and public liability cover. Call the team now on 02380 268351 for an instant quote and cover.
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