With some food delivery companies already offering Christmas Day deliveries, the next obvious step is online same-day deliveries on 25 December.
So says ParcelHero as it reveals huge customer demand for deliveries on the big day itself.
Research by the home delivery firm has revealed that 20% of shoppers would pay up to £5 extra for a 25 December delivery if it got them out of an awkward situation, for example the arrival of unexpected gifts, or helped stop the kids from being disappointed over wrong toys or forgotten presents
It would also enable stores to cash in on shoppers looking to spend vouchers or make the most of the sales.
ParcelHero’s head of consumer research, David Jinks, said: “Last year Brits spent £1bn online on Christmas Day. For the first time a number of online retailers reported taking more orders on Christmas Day than Boxing Day, the traditional start of the sales season. Several retailers actually kicked-off their sales on the 25th; but not one retailer actually delivers items on the big day.”
However, the issue of sending drivers out on Christmas Day could prove a thorny one.
Jinks continued: “Changing retail customs on sensitive days is a delicate issue. When John Major’s government introduced Sunday trading back in 1994 it was highly controversial, but consumers eventually embraced Sunday shopping; perhaps the same will hold true for Christmas Day deliveries? Not everyone in the UK takes part in Christian festivals, for example; while other distribution centre workers and drivers might be grateful to avoid reruns of Jingle All the Way and earn what would presumably be a significant bonus for delivering on Christmas Day itself.”
