Fashion shipments dropped despite overall ecommerce volumes rising by more than 22%, according to new data from delivery management platform Scurri.
The findings, taken in April and May 2026, suggest consumers are becoming more selective about discretionary purchases, with fashion among the hardest-hit retail categories.
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Shipments in cosmetics, food & drink, toys, and gifting fell between 5% and 8%.
Conversely, growth was evident in sectors linked to home and lifestyle. Homewares shipments were up 23%, tool & DIY shipments rose by 19%, pet & animal products increased 17%, and sports equipment shipments were 14% higher.
The findings show next-day delivery has become the preferred option for many, with its use rising 29% compared to the same period in the previous year.
At the same time, the proportion of customers opting for standard delivery fell by 2.7%, and signature-required services also saw an increase, up nearly 13%.
Scurri chief marketing officer Gavin Murphy said: “These figures point to an interesting shift in consumer behaviour. Consumers remain cost-conscious and are carefully considering their purchases. However, once they’ve decided to buy, they increasingly want the confidence that comes from a fast, convenient and reliable delivery experience.”
Scurri’s data shows that currently, next-day delivery accounts for over 31% of all preferred delivery options, making it the leading premium choice, with signature services accounting for a further 23%.
The analysis suggests that shoppers are making more selective purchases but are less willing to compromise on delivery standards.
While economic pressures persist, fewer consumers may be drawn to basic shipping options even when available at a lower cost.
Murphy added: “Retailers often assume that economic pressure means shoppers will always choose the cheapest delivery option available. Our data suggests the opposite. Delivery has become part of the product experience. Consumers may be buying fewer items, but they are increasingly willing to invest in services that help them receive those purchases more quickly and with greater confidence.”
International shipping volumes from the UK saw a notably sharper decline than domestic shipments, with overseas deliveries falling by almost 26% year-on-year.
This decrease may reflect caution among UK shoppers about cross-border spending and the higher charges often linked with international fulfilment.
Scurri’s findings come as UK shoppers enter the summer period, with data indicating a move towards spending on home improvement, lifestyle, and pet care, and away from other discretionary items.
“As competition intensifies, retailers need to recognise that delivery is no longer simply an operational function. It’s a customer experience channel and a loyalty driver. The retailers that give consumers the right balance of speed, convenience and flexibility will be best placed to win repeat business,” Murphy concluded.
