The number of online purchases made in the UK and Europe increased by 18% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to 2024, with a 25% increase in June, according to the latest data from Scurri Unpacked.

The quarterly review of e-commerce delivery trends based on over 200 million annual shipments showed that the higher-than-average temperatures across the UK and Europe resulted in a surge in seasonal retail orders, with volumes led by garden and outdoor products (+48%), homewares (+46%), toys and fashion (both +33%) and sports equipment (+31%).

In the UK, e-commerce volumes increased by 6% year-on-year (YoY) in Q2, driven in part by Father’s Day spending in June.

“May and June entered the record books as two of the hottest months seen across the UK and Europe,” commented Rory O’Connor, founder and CEO of Scurri. “This, combined with Father’s Day trading, created ideal conditions for e-commerce growth. The uplift in outdoor, gifting and lifestyle categories shows how quickly consumer needs can shift and the importance of responding in real time to capitalize on sales.”

International shipping volumes were also strong across Europe. Germany posted a +37% increase in volumes YoY in Q2, followed by Poland (+28%) and Ireland (+21%). In contrast, volumes to the USA fell by -17%, reflecting the impact of 10% tariffs introduced on UK goods early in the quarter (April 5, 2025).

According to Scurri, e-commerce brands continued to use delivery options as a lever for customer satisfaction and brand trust in Q2. Signature-on-delivery services saw a +21% increase on Q1 and a +28% increase YoY, indicating a growing demand for delivery assurance among shoppers.

Next-day delivery volumes were flat compared to Q1 but up +29% year-on-year, pointing to steady demand for speed. Weekend delivery volumes dropped by -26% compared to Q1, an expected decline given fewer gifting events, but year-on-year this service recorded the growth of +47%. Two-day delivery saw a +19% increase on Q1 as shoppers sought a balanced option between cost and speed.

O’Connor said, “With Scurri Unpacked, we’re opening access to our delivery data and sharing valuable insights that not only empower customers but democratize those insights for the entire industry, helping inform strategy, improve performance and navigate ongoing and fast-paced change.”

Author Credits- HAZEL KING
Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL