Two-thirds of builders’ merchants expect Click & Collect sales to increase over the next 12 months, according to new research highlighting changing customer expectations and the continued growth of digital purchasing across the construction supply chain.
The nationally representative survey of 300 branch managers, carried out by MRA Building Market Reports, found that 67% of UK general builders’ merchants expect Click & Collect sales to grow, while more than three-quarters of branches now offer the service. A net 62% of branch managers also believe Click & Collect will account for a greater share of sales over the coming year, with many citing recent investment in online sales channels as a key driver.
Above: Fulfilment Options at Branch 2026.
The findings suggest merchants are continuing to adapt to evolving customer buying habits, while balancing increasing demand for faster fulfilment. More than 90% of branches now offer next-day delivery, with a growing number also providing same-day delivery where workloads allow. A net 29% of respondents expect demand for same-day delivery to increase, although some warned that service levels can be affected during busier trading periods.
Anna Eriksson of MRA Building Market Reports explained: “Having run this survey over three consecutive quarters, we are seeing the number of branches offering Click & Collect increase each quarter. Some merchants are actively pursuing the online sales channel and setting ambitious growth targets.”
She added that while customers increasingly expect faster delivery, merchants remain focused on flexibility. “While the long-term trend is towards growth in Click & Collect and faster delivery options, we are currently seeing some opposing movements that we believe to be temporary. With both fuel and material prices at historically high levels, customers are often happy to wait longer if it means avoiding delivery surcharges.”
The research forms part of MRA Building Market Reports’ latest quarterly update on the UK builders’ merchant market, examining trends, forecasts and changing purchasing behaviour across the construction supply chain.