UK Retailers Buckle Down for a Christmas Shopping Avalanche
The Big Saturday: 23 December
Expected spend: £1.37 bn on the last Saturday before the big day
Why it matters: 11.6 m shoppers will be sprinting to their local stores, ready to grab those last‑minute gifts
“Consumers are sprinting to the shops to stock up on last‑minute Christmas essentials,” says Michael Brandy, Senior Commercial Director at VoucherCodes.co.uk. “Retailers need to keep ample stock on hand.”
Online vs. In‑Store: The Tug‑of‑War
| Channel |
# of shoppers |
Spend |
| In‑store |
11.6 m |
£1.06 bn |
| Online |
3.4 m |
£0.31 bn |
While in‑store shoppers dominate the scene, online enthusiasts are keeping pace, with next‑day delivery making the “stay‑home” option a solid contender.
Year‑Over‑Year Rounding: A Mixed Bag
2023 forecast: Year‑over‑year decline of 12 % to £1.55 bn – a sharp dip from last year.
Six‑week Christmas period: A modest uptick of 3.3 % to £84.9 bn from the £82.2 bn spent in 2022. This rise is largely driven by inflated prices, even as the total volume of sales is expected to drop by 4.1 %.
Insider Intelligence
“The cost‑of‑living crisis will keep squeezing consumers’ wallets, so it’s pivotal for retailers to offer unbeatable convenience,” Brandy warns.• Provide lightning‑fast express shipping• Push irresistible in‑store offers• Roll out unique discounts that make shoppers feel like they’re winning a holiday jackpot
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Bottom line:* If you’re planning a shopping spree in December, remember: the clock is ticking, the shelves are trembling, and your wallet will thank you for plundering those “last‑minute” deals—just make sure you’re stocking up before the stockpile sails away!
