UK Retailers brace for a Bountiful Black Friday Weekend
Vouchercodes.co.uk’s latest Shopping for Christmas 2023 snapshot projects £8.74 billion in sales across the entire Black Friday Weekend. That’s a modest +0.4% climb over last year’s £8.71 billion, meaning shoppers are still keen to snag the runway‑ready deals ahead of the holiday rush.
When the big bucks actually appear: Cyber Monday takes the crown
- Cyber Monday – expected to pull in about £3.34 billion, a 6% jump versus 2022’s £3.17 billion.
- Black Friday – a slight dip to £3.01 billion, slipping 0.2% (roughly £6 million) from the previous year.
Buying smarts in a pinch
Even with rising living costs nudging budgets tighter, 40% of shoppers clock in the confidence to spend over the weekend. That translates into a sizzling £2.63 million of sales every single minute—essentially a £157.79 million wave each hour, up by 0.6% from last year.
Shoppers are prioritising:
- Big‑ticket electricals – 46% of purchases.
- Clothing & footwear – 44%.
- Toys – 35%.
- Cosmetics – 30%.
What happens if the sales fiesta stretches on?
Echoing 2022’s two‑week playbook, the report slides in a projected £22.67 billion in sales if the binge stretches beyond the weekend—a modest 0.2% jump YoY.
Retailers’ Playbook: Turning “Hunting” into “Happiness”
Michael Brandy, Senior Commercial Director at VoucherCodes.co.uk, says:
“After a roller‑coaster year of economic uncertainty, it’s heartening to see steady Black Friday Weekend sales for UK retailers. Shoppers are planning to load up on Christmas goodies, but many are taking a cautious approach—waiting until Cyber Monday for the sweet spot on deals. This year, retailers should focus on real value and convenience: free shipping, click‑and‑collect, and same‑day delivery can cement loyalty and set you apart in a crowded market.”
So grab that deal, shop smart, and keep your customers smiling—because every click counts in the quest for Xmas cheer!
