The surge in online shopping could force retailers to open stores in convenient locations, according to a survey by property agency Atisreal.

The survey found that retailers need to be more aware of customers’ needs in terms of deliveries and this could lead to further stores.

Atisreal head of retail agency Ian Parish said: “There’s a lot more to be done in terms of online shopping opportunities, but many shoppers are being put off because of the problems with delivering goods. Retailers need to offer hour-specific delivery times and introduce dedicated pick-up points.”

Parish said growth in online sales could lead to centres where consumers can collect and return goods. “Consumers want home deliveries specified by the hour, but this can be expensive and virtually impossible to achieve in urban areas where traffic flows are complex and unpredictable.

“Our research has found that consumers would also be very happy with the provision of collection-and-return centres and if these were in nearby stores, that would lead to higher retail sales,” he said.

The Atisreal survey was carried out in December on a sample of 1,026 UK adults.