Parcel locker usage is accelerating this festive season, with 44% of consumers planning to use lockers to receive parcels as shoppers seek more convenient and reliable delivery options during the busiest period of the year, research from InPost UK shows.

Locker use for receiving parcels has increased by 10 percentage points over the past three months, rising from 34% to 44%. Usage for sending parcels has also grown from 26% to 36%, while returns via lockers have jumped from 23% to 39%.

“This Christmas, we’re seeing a clear acceleration in locker adoption across the UK. With 44% of people planning to use parcel lockers for their festive deliveries, it’s clear that consumers want convenient and flexible options that save time and reduce frustration. Parcel lockers are helping people reclaim their time during the busiest season of the year – no more waiting at home or worrying about missed deliveries,” said Michael Rouse, CEO International of InPost.

Younger consumers are leading the shift. More than half of 18–34-year-olds (53%) have used a parcel locker to receive a delivery in the past three months, while students are the most active users overall, with 58% using lockers to receive parcels, 42% to send items and 32% for returns.

Convenience remains the primary driver of locker use at Christmas, as shoppers look to avoid missed deliveries, queues and delivery uncertainty during the festive rush. Almost half (46%) say lockers allow them to collect parcels at a time that suits them, while 65% say lockers make it easier to send parcels or return items.