Over 115million retail parcels were delivered or returned via UK lockers in the last 12months, new research from InPost and Retail Economics has revealed, as demand for convenience sees out-of-home delivery adoption soar.

The new data showed that 87million outbound deliveries – representing 7% of all online orders – were made to lockers last year, while 28million parcels were returned at pick-up drop-off (PUDO) locations, making up 12% of all online returns.

Meanwhile original research of over 2,000 UK consumers showed that two in five shoppers had used lockers in the past year to collect, return or send a parcel. This rising adoption is being driven by younger shopper cohorts, with two thirds (66%) of Gen Z and 54% of Millennials having used lockers for fulfilment in the last 12months.

The research also showed room for further uptake of locker deliveries; 20% of those yet to use PUDO would be open to doing so in the future, as consumers increasingly demand flexible fulfilment options that fit in around their daily routines.

“The locker market has experienced immense growth over the last year, thanks to the unsatiable appetite of consumers for convenient delivery solutions that fit in seamlessly with their busy lives,” said Neil Kuschel, CEO at InPost UK. “Lockers have gone fully mainstream. And, as our research shows, this demand shows no signs of slowing down with every age group planning to use lockers more in the next year.”

“Shoppers increasingly expect delivery to fit around their lives – not the other way around. Lockers offer a fast, flexible and reliable option that meets those expectations,” Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics, commented.

Last year, the most popular places for lockers were at supermarkets (39%), convenience stores or post offices (29%), and near-home neighbourhood spots (24%), demonstrating demand for convenient, ‘always on’ delivery.

And, while convenience remains the top reason that 39% of shoppers choose lockers – up 6 percentage points year-on-year – security and sustainability are increasingly playing a part in consumers’ delivery choices. 15% cited security as a primary driver, rising 3 percentage points compared to 2024, while 12% picked lockers for environmental reasons, believing them to be a more eco-friendly option.

Meanwhile the rise of Vinted and other second-hand shopping platforms were also helping drive adoption, with three in four locker users utilising them as part of second-hand transactions.

“We’re seeing a clear shift from trial to habit,” Lim added. “Once shoppers experience the benefits, lockers quickly become part of their routine – and that creates real opportunities for retailers to enhance the customer experience and streamline last-mile operations.”