IMRG survey reveals many firms' concerns over the postal strike.

More than three quarters of businesses believe that a national postal strike will significantly harm online retail sales this Christmas, new research has found.

According to a survey by IMRG, 77 per cent of its members believe the decision by the Communication Workers Union to take industrial action will discourage people from purchasing goods on the internet.

Those keen on buying items via online retail could continue to do so, however, as there are alternative parcel delivery providers available, such as Parcel2Go.com.

IMRG's director of operations, David Smith, said companies are acting swiftly to arrange alternative parcel delivery solutions.

"Up to now 86 per cent of the retailers surveyed have used Royal Mail for at least some of their deliveries but this option is being taken from them and 60 per cent have already made alternative arrangements to bypass the Royal Mail," he stated.

Mr Smith added that the postal strike will have disastrous consequences for the Royal Mail.

This view is echoed by prime minister Gordon Brown, who recently said that the organisation will lose various lucrative contracts which it will find difficult to win back later.

Written by Mark Moore


Article Added: 19/10/2009 16:45:05