UK ecommerce in 2025: social media & speedy delivery

The UK ecommerce sector has seen significant transformation since its inception, with an increasing focus on consumer demands for faster, more personalised, and seamless shopping experiences.

In a recent report by Metapack, key trends in the retail industry for 2025 have been identified, showing a shift in consumer expectations and behaviours. With 60.1% of British consumers indicating that they would switch brands for more convenient delivery options, and 56.4% likely to abandon a brand if disappointed, the competitive nature of today's ecommerce environment is clear. 

Albert Ko, CEO of Auctane, Metapack's parent company, stated, "As the ecommerce industry matures, it's clear that retailers must adapt their strategies to stay competitive. The businesses that succeed will be those that capitalise on evolving digital ecosystems, prioritising speed, convenience, and personalised experiences. In an environment where consumer expectations are higher than ever, the key to growth lies in innovation, agility, and a customer-centric approach."

Online marketplaces continue to dominate the ecommerce landscape with substantial consumer support. Metapack's report reveals that 74.6% of British consumers shop on large online platforms like Amazon, while 34.9% engage with secondhand marketplaces such as eBay. The popularity of these platforms is growing, and 46.8% of British consumers plan to increase their usage of these marketplaces throughout the year. Comparatively, in Spain, 49.2% of consumers are expected to explore secondhand marketplace options further, with 54.7% planning more purchases via large marketplaces by 2025.

Social commerce is redefining consumer engagement, turning platforms like TikTok and Instagram into critical retail destinations. For UK consumers, 66.4% consider a strong social media presence by brands to be essential, and 25.8% are already shopping through social media platforms. This trend is projected to rise, with 76.4% planning to increase purchases via social media within the year.

Evolving consumer expectations are driving a demand for relevance, speed, and seamless delivery in ecommerce. Concerns over rising delivery and return costs affect 59.5% of British consumers, and 49.5% are worried about potential delays in delivery timeframes. A growing emphasis on ethical consumerism also plays a role, with 50.6% of consumers favouring brands that support eco-friendly practices or offer secondhand options.

The Delivery Benchmark Report by Metapack is based on surveys conducted in November 2024 with 8,000 respondents across eight countries, including the UK, and a B2B survey with 400 senior decision-makers from ecommerce businesses with turnovers exceeding $12.5 million. The report combines these findings with economic modelling and retail sales forecasts to provide a comprehensive analysis of current market trends.

Metapack helps ecommerce and delivery professionals meet consumers' growing expectations of delivery while maintaining and optimising operational efficiency. Metapack's solution offers a wide range of personalised services, from delivery options to tracking and returns, through a catalogue of 400+ carriers and 4,900+ services available that span every country in the world. Thanks to Metapack, more than a billion packages are sent annually by many of the world's ecommerce retailers.