GFS has wrapped up their annual Peak Bulletin for 2024. Here’s a quick summary of the delivery performance, parcel volumes and key trends that unfolded during each week of the 2024 Peak season. They’re also running a survey where you can share your 2024 peak experience.
Week 1: Preparing for Peak
- Market Insights: UK retailers face high stakes as customer perceptions of delivery impact reputation and bottom line. Delivery issues lead 19% of customers to avoid reordering.
- Evolving Preferences:
Cost-effective options are preferred over speed.
Precise delivery windows are valued more than next-day delivery.
Sustainable delivery options resonate with eco-conscious shoppers.
Week 2: Black Friday Surge
- Parcel volumes rose by 20% due to early Black Friday promotions.
- Despite Storm Bert’s disruptions, carrier performance remained strong.
Week 3: Cyber Monday Momentum
- Record-breaking volumes exceeded forecasts, with a 50% increase in weekend activity leading into Cyber Monday.
- Mild weather supported smooth operations, with exceptional carrier performance.
Week 4: Sustained High Volumes
- Volumes remained strong post-Cyber Monday, though easing slightly.
- Carrier performance continued to exceed expectations, despite localised delays due to Storm Darragh.
- Shift in shopping preferences from fashion to gifting categories (toys, hampers).
Week 5: Pre-Christmas Transition
- Slight drop in parcel volumes compared to peak weeks but still high overall.
- Retailers and consumers moved toward next-day services for Christmas orders.
Carrier performance remained exceptional, with focus on protecting networks.
Key Takeaways Across All Weeks
1. Resilience: Carrier networks have consistently delivered exceptional performance despite weather challenges and record-breaking volumes.
2. Customer Communication: Proa-ctive updates and reliable service messaging build customer trust.
3. Operational Agility: Flexibility in adapting to demand surges, weather impacts and network challenges is crucial.
4. Evolving Preferences: Meeting customer demand for cost-effective, precise and sustainable options can enhance brand loyalty.
Have Your Say!
Now, as Peak comes to a close, and GFS want your feedback! Take a moment to complete the Post-Peak Survey and help them make this bulletin even more valuable for you.
5 lucky winners who complete the survey will win hampers filled with goodies and wine!
