This article was written by an eCommerce expert at leading delivery management provider Scurri. To streamline your delivery management and perfect your post-purchase emails, get in touch with Scurri today!
In the current retail environment, fulfillment is no longer just an operational necessity. For large omnichannel retailers in the UK, it has become a vital part of the customer experience. Managing multiple sales channels, diverse product ranges, and increasing customer expectations makes it essential to partner with the right eCommerce fulfilment services providers – as well as choosing the best delivery management software providers for your specific needs.
Scurri insight
41% of UK enterprise retailers report the need for greater logistics investment
Now more than ever, enterprise retailers are valuing investing in eCommerce delivery software and fulfillment services.
For more insights like this from our recent survey of 1,000+ consumers and 120+ retailers, download part two of our “Future of Delivery & Post-Purchase” Report.
The Importance of Fulfillment Services in Omnichannel Retail
Omnichannel retail has changed how logistics teams operate. Customers expect fast delivery, flexible click-and-collect options, accurate stock visibility, and simple returns – all without considering which channel they’re shopping on.
For example according to our report, there’s been a 7% YOY increase in next day delivery amongst UK retailers!
This shift means logistics and operations leaders need fulfillment solutions that are fast, flexible, and completely integrated across every platform. In-house systems often can’t keep up with these demands at scale. That’s why many large retailers are turning to third-party eCommerce fulfillment services that are built for the omnichannel world.
Communicating after order fulfillment
85% of enterprise retailers agree that post-purchase is extremely important
Fulfillment services don’t operate in a vacuum. What happens after order fulfillment is critically important for retaining customers.
For more insights like this, download part two of our “Future of Delivery & Post-Purchase” Report.
Key Considerations for Enterprise Retailers
Finding the right partner is not just about warehouse space or basic order picking. It’s about choosing a fulfillment strategy that aligns with the scale and complexity of your business. Here are the core elements to look for:
1. Omnichannel Capability
Your fulfillment provider must be able to manage inventory across all channels – ecommerce, physical stores, marketplaces, and wholesale. Real-time integration with your ERP, WMS, POS, and ecommerce platforms (like Shopify, Magento, or Salesforce Commerce Cloud) is essential for accurate stock levels and efficient order management.
2. Flexibility and Scalability
From peak trading periods to last-minute campaigns, your operations need a fulfillment partner that can respond quickly. Whether it’s handling a seasonal spike or rolling out a new product range, the ability to scale without disruption is a must.
3. Strategic Warehouse Locations
With UK consumers expecting next-day and even same-day delivery, location is critical. After all, 40% of UK consumers rank speed as the number on delivery choice driver – according to our 2025 report. Fulfillment centres near major cities and transport networks can cut delivery times and reduce costs – helping to meet customer expectations while protecting margins.
5. Sustainability and Compliance
Sustainability is no longer optional. Enterprise retailers are expected to meet strict ESG goals, and your logistics partners must support those efforts. Look for providers that use recyclable packaging, low-emission delivery options, and responsible labor practices.
Technology is Driving Smarter Fulfillment
Today’s leading eCommerce fulfillment services are driven by smart technology. Automation, AI forecasting, real-time dashboards, and robotic picking all contribute to greater speed and accuracy.
These tools also give operations leaders the data needed to make informed decisions, adapt quickly, and stay ahead of demand trends.
Transparency is key – make sure your provider offers clear visibility into performance metrics and integrates easily with your internal systems through APIs or custom dashboards.
How Top UK Retailers Are Using Fulfillment to Gain a Competitive Edge
Across the UK, eCommerce retailers are rethinking their fulfillment strategies:
Fashion brands are centralising inventory to support both Commerce and store stock from a single source.
Furniture and homeware retailers are using regional hubs to cut bulky delivery costs and improve delivery times. For example, Scurri customer Victorian Plumbing have hubs in Skelmersdale, Farington Moss (Leyland), Birmingham, Manchester and Formby.
Beauty, health and fragrance brands are investing in warehouse automation to manage high volumes. For example, Scurri customer The Perfume Shop invested £2.5 million in their new warehouse – and Scurri’s technology helps it run reliably.
Each of these strategies is enabled by fulfillment partners that go beyond logistics – they provide the technology and expertise needed to scale.
Conclusion
For Heads of Logistics and Operations, choosing the right eCommerce fulfillment services partner is about more than efficiency.
It’s about future-proofing your business, improving customer satisfaction, and staying competitive in a fast-moving market. In an omnichannel world, fulfillment is a key part of your value proposition.
The right partner will help you deliver on your brand promise – every time, across every channel.
Download the full report
The Future of Delivery & Post-Purchase Revealed
This three-part report brings fresh insights from over 120 UK retailers and 1,000 shoppers to help you focus on what matters most in the year ahead.