Running a retail business in the UK has always been demanding, but the past few years have pushed many independent retailers to their limits. Rising costs, slower sales, and growing delivery expectations are cutting deep into already tight margins.

And that’s the reality most small retailers face today. Deliveries are essential for growth but often the first place where margins disappear.

What’s Really Happening in Retail

The numbers speak for themselves:

• –84% of UK and European retailers saw their last-mile delivery costs rise in 2024, with nearly 40% reporting double-digit increases.
• –Poor delivery options are costing UK retailers £31.5 billion every year in lost sales : £7.2 billion from limited options, £4.9 billion from high delivery costs, and £4.5 billion from slow delivery speeds.
• –Many retailers pay far more for delivery than customers are willing to cover. The cost to fulfil a £100 online order can reach £28–£30, while most customers only pay £1–£6 in delivery fees.
• –Retail operating profit margins have dropped from around 6% in 2011 to about 2.5% today, largely due to delivery and fulfilment costs.
• UK retailers face an additional £5.6 billion in operating costs in 2025–2026, driven by higher wages, rent, and energy prices.

These numbers make it clear: delivery costs are cutting deep into profits. Small retailers need smarter, fairer solutions to stay competitive and keep customers happy.

What These Mean for Small UK Retailers

• –When delivery costs rise faster than revenue, every order starts to hurt. It’s not just about logistics, it’s about survival.
• –Customers expect speed and flexibility. But offering it often means losing profit. And if you don’t offer it, you risk losing the customer altogether.
• –Small retailers can’t absorb losses like big chains. They need smarter systems, not more bills.
• –They need delivery partners who understand that every pound matters.

How OneliveryUK Helps Retailers Stay Profitable

At OneliveryUK, we built our service to support small UK retailers under pressure.

1.You Only Pay When You Sell We don’t charge monthly fees or subscriptions. You only pay when an actual order is placed through your store. If you don’t sell, you don’t pay — simple.

2.Free Store Listing We list your store on our platform for free so that nearby customers can discover and order directly from you. It’s a cost-free way to reach new buyers and increase sales.

3.Lower Delivery Costs with Smart Transport Our riders use e-bikes and e-mopeds: faster, cheaper, and cleaner than vans. Less fuel, less traffic, lower cost for everyone.

4.Faster Deliveries, Happier Customers You confirm the order. We take care of the rest. From pickup to drop-off, we handle every step so your customers receive their items quickly and reliably.

5.Real People, Real Support No bots, no waiting for days. You speak to a real person who understands your business and helps when you need it.

Retailers can’t control rising energy prices or taxes, but they can control who they trust with their deliveries.

At Onelivery UK, we help small UK retailers protect their profits while delivering faster and smarter. Because in today’s market, every delivery should earn you more, not cost you more.

List your store for free today and only pay when you sell.