New research from InPost UK shows that parcel locker usage is surging this festive season, with 44 per cent of consumers planning to use lockers to receive parcels, as shoppers look for more convenient and reliable delivery options during the busiest period of the year.

The survey reveals a clear shift in behaviour ahead of Christmas. Locker use for receiving parcels has risen from 34 per cent over the past three months to 44 per cent this season, while usage for sending parcels has increased from 26 per cent to 36 per cent and returns from 23 per cent to 39 per cent.

Younger shoppers and students leading the trend

Younger consumers are driving the rise, with over half of 18–34-year-olds (53 per cent) having already used a parcel locker to receive a parcel in the last 3 months. Students are the most popular users overall, with 58 per cent receiving, 42 per cent sending and 32 per cent returning parcels via lockers in the past three months.

Higher-income households are also helping accelerate locker adoption. Among those earning £48k+, nearly half have used lockers to receive parcels (47 per cent), with strong usage for sending (37 per cent) and returning (34 per cent).

Convenience, control continue to drive Christmas parcel choices

Convenience remains the leading reason for choosing lockers at Christmas:

• 46 per cent say they want to pick up parcels at a time that suits them
• 65 per cent say it's easier to drop off returns or send parcels using a locker
• 38 per cent choose lockers because they are close to home or work
• 37 per cent want to avoid missed deliveries during the festive rush

As consumers rush to buy their stocking fillers and presents for loved ones, the research shows they are increasingly looking for ways to avoid waiting at home, queuing for returns or dealing with delivery uncertainty and frustration.

Lockers offer added protection against parcel theft

With parcel theft becoming a growing concern across the UK, more consumers are turning to lockers as a safer alternative. Because parcels are stored securely inside the locker and never left unattended, customers feel more in control of their deliveries. This added peace of mind, combined with 24/7 access and the convenience of collecting at a time that suits them, is helping lockers become a natural part of the UK delivery mix as demand continues to rise into 2026.

Reclaiming time during the busiest season of the year

As Britain faces the “silent tax” of lost time and failed deliveries, InPost is helping consumers reclaim more of their time. Parcel lockers remove the friction of traditional delivery, no waiting at home, no missed knocks, and no wasted afternoons. Instead, shoppers can enjoy a simpler, more reliable way to receive, send, and return parcels. For businesses, lockers mean fewer failed drops, smoother operations, and lower costs during the busiest few weeks of the year.

With a nationwide network of lockers integrated into supermarkets, workplaces, and transport hubs, InPost is putting control back in the hands of consumers and businesses. As delivery expectations evolve, parcel lockers are setting a new standard for speed, reliability, and customer experience.

"This Christmas, we’re seeing a clear acceleration in locker adoption across the UK," said Michael Rouse, CEO International of InPost. “With 44 per cent 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. We’re proud that InPost is making everyday life simpler for millions, and we look forward to supporting even more customers as parcel lockers become the new normal for Christmas and beyond.”