A survey of 300 branch managers shows 67% of UK general builders' merchants expect Click & Collect sales to rise over the next year.
Two-thirds of general builders' merchants in the UK expect their Click & Collect sales to increase over the next 12 months, according to a survey of 300 branch managers conducted by MRA Reports. The findings indicate a deliberate shift toward digital ordering and rapid counter collection across the building supply chain.
The data forms part of a quarterly update on the UK builders' merchant sector, highlighting how branch operations are adapting to changing buyer habits. Merchant networks are increasingly reallocating floor space and staffing to process online orders for trade collection.
What does this mean for a UK tradesperson or DIYer actually buying this kit — does it change what they should pay, buy, or watch out for? For tradespeople and serious DIYers, the expansion of Click & Collect across general merchants means faster access to building materials, timber, and heavy side products without paying delivery fees or waiting for site drops. While it will not directly lower shelf prices, improved collection infrastructure allows buyers to secure stock online before travelling to a branch, reducing downtime. Tradespeople should monitor stock hold times and dedicated collection desks at local independent merchants, as traditional trade counters increasingly mimic the rapid fulfillment models used by Screwfix and Toolstation.
As merchants invest further in online inventory management, regional branch networks are making local stock availability visible in real time. For busy joiners, electricians, and general builders, placing advance orders for morning pickup offers greater certainty over material availability, helping to prevent costly delays on site.
Reported by Builders Merchants Journal — original article
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