Online Spending to Outpace Last Year’s Christmas Sales by £1.1 Billion

Christmas Shopping Gets a Zoom‑A‑Mighty Boost, According to Experian‑Reward Data

Forget the traditional mall stroll. This year, most Brits are swapping pavements for pixels, and experts say the switch is hotter than a mug of hot chocolate on a snowy day.

What the Numbers Say

4 million cardholders rolled up their sleeves and clicked away across 4,000+ retailers.
Online spend has climbed a tidy 4% year‑to‑date from last year.
In‑store purchases dipped a modest 2%, proving that the foot traffic on high streets is getting a bit thin.
If this online momentum keeps going, the “Golden Quarter” (Nov–Jan) could see an extra £28 billion in retail spend—a full £1.1 billion over 2023.

2024 Shopping Habits That Are Shaping Christmas Gifting

Beyond the net to cash, the research pinpoints several key trends that define 2024 and hint at how the UK will tackle Christmas this season.

Gift‑in‑a‑Box gadgets: Tech lovers are eyeing smart gadgets that fit perfectly in small closets.
DIY Delight: Craft kits and home‑brew essentials are moving into the gift basket.
Check‑out at Cyber‑Monday remains a staple; last year’s surge continues to motivate savvy bargains.
Personalisation is the new status symbol: customised gifts keep sellers busy and consumers happy.

In short, while you may still feel the holiday rush in a queue, most of those queues are in your inbox and on your phone. So, buckle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and let your pre‑Christmas planning be as breezy as the digital aisles that await.

Brits embracing sustainable shopping

Second‑hand Boom: Why Everyone’s Buying Pre‑Loved Goods

It’s no secret that the thrift‑shop craze is hot— but the numbers just prove it. Online platforms that resell items are not just a niche for the trend‑obsessed; they’re rapidly becoming the go‑to for shoppers of all ages looking for eco‑friendly savings.

Shopper Stats (Year‑on‑Year)

21% overall jump in total sales across all second‑hand sites.
45‑54 age group pulling the trigger: sales up 56% in the last twelve months.
55+ crowd on fire! Their spend increased by a whopping 59%.

What’s Next?

If this trend rolls forward, we’re looking at a projected £363 million generated in the “Golden Quarter” of next year—an £111 million boost over the same period last year. It’s clear: sustainable gifting is the new normal.

Bottom Line

Gone are the days when second‑hand was just a side hustle. Today it’s a mainstream movement, bringing great deals, style, and a cleaner planet—all in one tidy package.

Social commerce boom

Social Commerce: The Holiday Shopping Hurricane

Picture this – scrolling through your feed and, poof, you’ve grabbed a special offer on your favourite brand without ever leaving the app. That’s the magic of social commerce, which is now making waves across the retail world.

June to August: A 32% Growth Surge

August sales (YoY) see a 32% jump in spend.
Shoppers are getting more comfortable buying right from their feeds.

Why the Numbers Are Turning Up

Highly‑influenced shoppers are zeroing in on Christmas deals as they scroll.
Social platforms make it effortless to click, compare, and purchase.
Retails’ seamless integrations keep the checkout flow uninterrupted.

Bright Forecast for the Golden Quarter

The sector is projected to gain a roaring £212 million this quarter.
That’s a £123 million increase over last year’s figures.
Retailers can anticipate a surge in traffic coinciding with holiday gifting.

Bottom line: If this momentum keeps up, the next season could pack a serious punch of digital sales, thanks to the convenience and buzz of shopping right from social media. Happy shopping—and may your cart stay full in the New Year!

Gifting memories over materials

Ticketing Surge: Millennials Lead the Charge

According to fresh insights from Experian UK and Reward, ticket‑site spending surged 9% compared with last year. The boom is largely driven by the 35‑44 age group, whose ticket purchases jumped 10%—a noticeable lift from the 4% rise seen in the 18‑34 cohort.

Experience‑First Spending

Experience firms report a solid 6% year‑on‑year sales rise, showing consumers prefer one‑off events over ordinary gifts.
These trends hint that Christmas shoppers might lean toward “special occasion” items rather than the usual festive presents.

Expert Thoughts

Colin Grieves, Managing Director of Marketing Services at Experian UK, notes:

“Christmas remains the most critical period for most businesses. Shopper behaviours continue to shift, and retailers need to spot where people are directing their wallets. Luckily, a trove of insights is available to help brands thrive during this pivotal season.”