Postal strikes push SME to use alternative couriers

Date: 5th February 2010

Retail firms in the UK noticed a dip in trade as a result of the postal strikes held by Royal Mail staff last year, new research has suggested.

A study by the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG) revealed that online retailers experienced a drop in trade during the strikes.

Figures from the study also revealed that retailers experienced growth of just 13.2 per cent last October.

This compares to average increases of 27 per cent recorded in October over recent years.

However, the organisation said alternative couriers have thrived on the back of the strikes as businesses and consumers have grown increasingly frustrated with the service offered by Royal Mail.

David Smith, director of operations for IMRG, said retailers are now beginning to see the benefits that alternative delivery firms can offer.

"Obviously a lot of consumers were affected by the fact that their letter post was not arriving, but in terms of delivery for products, a lot of retailers were able to minimise the disruption of the Royal Mail strikes, either by informing consumers that their deliveries were going to be later, or by switching to alternative carriers," he said.