In addition to record volumes anticipated for Germany, the Hermes Group is expecting to post a significant increase in volumes across Europe in the lead up to Christmas. The seasonal trading period officially kicked off in October. Hermes country companies in Austria, the UK, Russia and Italy are positioned to cope with an average rise of 25 percent in the number of parcels to be transported. Besides private parcels and online orders delivered on time for Christmas, this also includes corresponding returns following the gift-giving days themselves. In preparation for this deluge of parcels, many locations are currently expanding delivery capacity. The peak forecast for Hermes UK is particularly impressive with parcel volumes expected to be up 32 percent compared to non-peak. This could lead to an increase of 20 percent compared to last year’s peak.
"We are delighted with the positive development of the ongoing peak business. It highlights the general encouraging performance of our European parcel units during this current financial year," explains Marc Dessing, COO of Hermes Europe GmbH "In 2015, we successfully pushed ahead with our strategy of international expansion in key growth markets. On top of traditional home deliveries, this has mainly included our flourishing network of parcel shops that has now become the largest 2C network in Europe, with currently over 37,000 shops. For many customers, the Hermes ParcelShop has established itself as the preferred alternative delivery address - and not just in the Christmas business."
Saturday deliveries in Austria
In Germany alone, the retailing and logistics service provider is reckoning with around 36 million parcels by the end of the year, a plus of 15 percent on its record-breaking year of 2014. To facilitate this, 5,400 more workers and 3,300 more vehicles have been deployed. And in Austria, there is also a strong sense of anticipation, with parcel volumes already up 15 percent in this pre-Christmas period. Upon request, Hermes is also now offering a Saturday delivery service for the first time and is now on the road six days a week for its Austrian customers.
Impressive growth in the UK
Britons are also preparing for an eventful advent period. During this peak season, volumes are expected to rise by 32 percent to the end of the year compared to the rest of the year. The central Warrington hub will be processing 500,000 more parcels each and every day. A particular challenge is 'Black Friday' on 27 November - an American tradition and a highly popular shopping day, with many retailers advertising special offers and discounts. At this time, Hermes UK is anticipating a 100 percent increase in order and transport volumes. Human and vehicle resources have been correspondingly adjusted to meet such needs. Hermes UK also has something else to look forward to: in December it is expecting to open its 4,500th Hermes ParcelShop in the country.
Germany: Notes for Christmas parcel shipments
In order to ensure that parcels are delivered on time for Christmas Eve, customers should note the following shipment deadlines:
First visits to affect delivery will be made up by Christmas Eve for all parcels handed over for delivery prior to the deadline at any one of the 14,000 Hermes ParcelShops throughout Germany. Hermes will be delivering parcels up until 4pm on Christmas Eve.