Hermes processed 4.8 million orders over the Black Friday weekend, an increase of 34% compared with last year, despite adverse weather conditions.

The parcel carrier said its order volumes had doubled compared to the previous Black Friday’s statistics.

“Business as usual” was how the company described its operation over the weekend despite the extra volume, crediting its new second sortation system at its Warrington hub and 125 new sub depots.

Hermes chief executive Carole Woodhead added: “Despite some challenges around bad weather in the North of the country we were able to deliver on time. We are fully prepared for the peak period which we expect to continue from now until Christmas Eve.”