UK and European ecommerce order volumes increased by +18% in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, according delivery management platform, Scurri.

Data from Scurri Unpacked, its quarterly ecommerce delivery index based on insight from 200million+ annual shipments, showed June to be a standout month, with heatwave temperatures combined with Father’s Day gifting prompting a +25% spike in sales compared to last year.

With the Met Office confirming last month was one of the UK’s warmest Junes on record, seasonal categories experienced the strongest performance.  The rise in order volumes was led by garden and outdoor products (+48%), homewares (+46%), toys and fashion (both +33%), and sports equipment (+31%).

“May and June entered the record books as two of the hottest months seen across the UK and Europe.  This, combined with Father’s Day trading, created ideal conditions for ecommerce growth,” Rory O’Connor, Founder and CEO of Scurri, commented. “The uplift in outdoor, gifting and lifestyle categories shows how quickly consumer needs can shift and the importance of responding in real-time to capitalise on sales,”

While the UK saw steady growth, international shipping volumes were also strong.  Germany posted a +37% increase in volumes YOY in Q2, followed by Poland (+28%) and Ireland (+21%).  In contrast, volumes to the U.S. fell by -17%, reflecting the impact of 10% American trade tariffs introduced on UK goods early in the quarter (5 April 2025).

In Q2, ecommerce brands continued to use delivery options as a lever for customer satisfaction and brand trust.  Signature-on-delivery services saw a +21% increase quarter-on-quarter and a +28% increase versus 2024, indicating a growing demand for delivery assurance among shoppers amid ongoing concern around parcel fraud and porch piracy.

Next Day delivery volumes were flat compared to Q1 but up +29% on the year, pointing to steady demand for speed.  Almost all (98%) garden and outdoor orders placed in the quarter were delivered via Next Day services, as shoppers looked to make the most of warmer weather.

“With Scurri Unpacked, we’re opening access to our delivery data and sharing valuable insights that not only empower customers but democratise those insights for the entire industry, helping inform strategy, improve performance and navigate ongoing and fast-paced change,” O’Connor concluded.