# The Rise of Ecommerce Shopping in the UK and Why 3PL Logistics Matters More Than Ever

URL: https://efcluk.com/rise-of-ecommerce-shopping-uk/
Publisher: Ecommerce Fulfilment Centre
Last updated: 2026-01-16

> This article looks at the growth of ecommerce shopping in the UK and why third-party logistics (3PL) fulfilment matters for growing online brands. It is published by Ecommerce Fulfilment Centre (EFCL), a Manchester-based 3PL that stores, picks, packs and ships orders for sellers on Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Etsy, WooCommerce and TikTok Shop.

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How Much Does Ecommerce Fulfilment Cost in the UK? What Affects Your 3PL Price

## Frequently asked questions

### What is 3PL ecommerce fulfilment?

3PL ecommerce fulfilment means handing your storage, packing and shipping to a third-party logistics provider. At EFCL, this includes pick and pack, pallet storage, container handling, labelling, postage and returns, so online sellers can send stock to one UK warehouse and have orders packed and dispatched to their customers without running their own warehouse.

### Why does 3PL logistics matter for growing UK online brands?

3PL logistics matters because it lets growing brands scale order volumes without taking on warehouse space, staff and shipping admin themselves. A provider like EFCL handles storage, pick and pack, postage and returns, freeing sellers to focus on products, marketing and sales while their fulfilment runs from a dedicated UK fulfilment centre.

### Which sales channels can EFCL fulfil orders for?

EFCL fulfils orders for Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Etsy, WooCommerce and TikTok Shop. It also offers ecommerce integrations, helping online sellers connect their stores to the warehouse so orders from multiple channels can be stored, picked, packed and shipped from one UK fulfilment centre based in Manchester.

### Can a 3PL help with returns?

Yes, EFCL offers a returns and inspection service as part of its ecommerce fulfilment. Returned items can be received and checked at the warehouse, helping online sellers manage customer returns alongside their everyday pick and pack, storage, labelling and postage needs, rather than handling them in-house.

### Does EFCL support new ecommerce start-ups?

Yes, EFCL offers a dedicated New Startup Business Package for brands just getting started. It also provides a free product sourcing consultation, global sourcing, and freight and customs clearance, so new sellers can get support with finding products and bringing stock into the UK as well as with storage and order fulfilment.

### Where is EFCL based and which areas does it serve?

EFCL is based in Manchester and serves online sellers across the United Kingdom. From its fulfilment centre it provides 3PL and 4PL warehouse services, including pallet storage, pick and pack, container handling, labelling and postage for ecommerce brands selling through marketplaces and their own online stores.