New research underscores the rising prominence of parcel lockers in the UK, with two out of every five adults now leveraging these facilities for collecting, sending, or returning packages. Conducted by a leading logistics analysis firm, the study reveals that over 21 million Britons turned to lockers in the past 12 months, processing a total of 115 million parcels—a clear indicator of how these services have integrated into daily shopping habits.

The data breaks down locker usage across key e-commerce activities: roughly 7% of all online deliveries (equating to 87 million orders) were directed to lockers, while 12% of returns (28 million items) were handled through the same channels. This dual functionality—supporting both receiving and sending—highlights why lockers have become a go-to solution for time-pressed consumers.

Demographic trends show that younger shoppers are leading the charge: 66% of Gen Z and 54% of Millennial online buyers used lockers in the past year, with more than half of users under 45 utilizing them monthly. Notably, middle-income households emerge as the most frequent users, and even among older age groups, adoption is climbing—suggesting lockers are no longer just a “young person’s tool.” Additionally, 20% of non-users express interest in trying lockers soon, pointing to sustained growth.

Major operators like InPost are scaling to meet demand, reporting a 39% year-on-year jump in parcel volumes in Q1 2025, handling 24 million items. The company now runs over 10,000 lockers and 16,000 out-of-home pickup points nationwide, ensuring accessibility across urban and suburban areas.

“Parcel lockers have crossed into mainstream use,” said a senior industry analyst. “They solve a core pain point for modern shoppers—flexibility. Whether someone misses a delivery, wants to avoid home drop-offs, or needs to return an item quickly, lockers offer control over when and where they handle their parcels. This convenience is driving adoption across all demographics.”

As online shopping continues to dominate, parcel lockers are proving to be more than a passing trend—they’re becoming an essential part of the UK’s e-commerce infrastructure, redefining how consumers engage with deliveries.