According to a 2022 report on last-mile delivery from DispatchTrack, 90% of consumers are now looking for “immediate updates and real-time visibility” on their orders. Rather than prioritizing speed of delivery, consumers are seeking accuracy and assurances on exactly when their products will arrive.

Given the importance of the last mile in determining brand loyalty and customer satisfaction, this figure is unsurprising. The final leg of the logistics journey is critical. Your customer may have had a positive online shopping experience with you – from browsing to basket to checkout – but any missteps in the delivery service can impact their likelihood to shop with you again. It’s crucial, therefore, that brands put plans in place now to ensure that they can deliver to, and delight their consumers through the busiest periods in the 2023 retail calendar.

Against a backdrop of continued economic uncertainty, fuelled by the ongoing energy and cost-of-living crises, consumers are limiting their spending and becoming less loyal to brands. They’re shopping around for the best deals on products, but they’re also looking for the best deals on delivery, in terms of accuracy and reliability.

The race is certainly on for brands operating in the retail, lifestyle and FMCG spaces, but it isn’t just about speed, which is only one small part of the logistics puzzle. Finding a partner that can go the distance is key to delivering a positive last-mile experience for customers. From having the right geographical coverage to the right strategic focus, brands have an opportunity to invest now and reap the rewards in the peak season.