Electronics products have always been retail VIPs: valuable, impact-sensitive, and prized by customers. But our latest data reveals a 31% dip in UK electronics sales in H1 2025, signalling a shift in how and when consumers are buying.
From tariffs and inflation squeezing spending power, to longer replacement cycles and shifting consumer priorities, retailers are navigating a tougher landscape than ever before. But this isn’t a cause for panic, it’s a call for retailers to rethink, adapt, and capture the opportunities hidden in the numbers.
The Challenges Facing Electronics eCommerce Retailers
The electronics category has always carried unique operational demands:
Fragility & risk of damage during transit
Higher shipping costs for secure packaging
Customer expectations for both speed and safety
Supply chain delays impacting stock availability
In today’s market, these challenges are amplified by increased competition and changing consumer behaviour.
Why Are Electronics eCommerce Sales Slipping?
According to Scurri data, there has been a 31% decline in electronics sales in H1 alone.
Smartphones, consoles, and other tech gadgets are now built to last, meaning upgrades simply haven’t been necessary. Add to this the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and buying habits have changed considerably. Together, these factors make it clear why the electronics industry is in decline, and why this trend may persist over the next couple of years.
Extended upgrade cycles, driven by device longevity and inflation, mean people are keeping phones for over three years now, cutting replacement frequency.
Safety & Security Have Never Mattered More
When customers purchase electronics, whether it’s a £50 smart speaker or a £2,000 laptop, they expect more than just quick delivery. They want reassurance that their product will arrive safely, in perfect condition, and exactly when promised.
That means:
Investing in protective, brand-consistent packaging
Selecting carriers with a proven record for handling fragile, high-value goods
Providing real-time tracking and proactive updates to build trust before the product even arrives
How Retailers Can Pivot in 2025
1. Offer Flexible Delivery Options That Match the Product
In 2025, one-size-fits-all shipping won’t cut it. Retailers need to tailor delivery options to the product, and the customer.
2. Double Down on Packaging & Carrier Reliability
Partner with carriers whose networks are optimised for handling electronics.
3. Elevate the Post-Purchase Experience
Keep customers engaged with real-time, branded tracking emails powered by tools like Scurri Track Plus, so they always know where their purchase is.
Benchmark, Learn, Adapt
The electronics sector is evolving, and so are customer expectations. Retailers who prioritise safety, flexibility, and transparency in their delivery strategies will be the ones to win customer loyalty in this shifting market. To see how your performance stacks up and to get the insights shaping retail logistics today.
Check out Scurri Unpacked and benchmark yourself against the competition.