47 per cent of UK online shoppers say they would order Christmas presents earlier this year to avoid delays, according to research from parcelLab.

The software company warned that the UK’s existing supply chain crisis could be intensified by early demand.

58 per cent of UK adults blamed the driver shortage for plans to order early, while a further 44 per cent blamed Brexit related problems.

Brits are also concerned that the persisting effect of the pandemic will impact Christmas delivery time with nearly half – 42 per cent – citing that as the key reason for ordering early.

“Consumer expectations for delivery are not outlandish and unfeasible, even with the ongoing supply chain issues,” said Tobias Buxhoidt, founder and chief executive, parcelLab. “They expect reliable delivery so they can bring touching moments to loved ones on Christmas morning, but at the very least they deserve transparency and clear communications through the delivery process when things don’t go to plan.

“Too many retailers look to shift blame onto wider issues or third parties, and they are rightly punished by consumers for this - prioritising customer experience must happen even after the customer has hit that order button which many retailers currently fail to do.”

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