Boost for retail as Christmas Eve sales set to be up 17% on last year
Share:
Almost 12 million people are set to head to the shops on Christmas Eve to make last-minute Christmas purchases. In a big boost for the retail sector, 11.6 million people are expected to head to the high street - with sales up 17% on last year. Firm VoucherCodes.co.uk said brick-and-mortar stores can look forward to a healthy day of sales with £1.08 billion spent by those shopping in one day alone. With another £0.22bn coming from online sales, in total £1.31bn is forecast to be spent.
Michael Brandy, Senior Commercial Director at VoucherCodes.co.uk, said: “This Christmas consumers are leaving their shopping to the very last minute, panic buying their last few Christmas essentials on Christmas Eve. This is good news for retailers who can expect sales to be up 17% compared to last year.".
Anita Naik, savings expert at the firm, added: “Christmas Eve can be a great day to head out and find a Christmas bargain - if you don’t mind the crowds. With retailers starting their Boxing Day sales earlier and earlier each year, you can often find discounted Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve as stores try to shift unsold stock before the festive season is over. Preparation is key when time and money are tight, so plan which stores you want to go to, and things you need to buy ahead of time.”.
