UK retail sales are predicted to hit £8.74bn across Black Friday weekend as consumers make the most of the discounts available to them in the run-up to Christmas.
The VoucherCodes.co.uk, Shopping for Christmas 2023: Black Friday Weekend report predicts that this year total Black Friday Weekend retail sales will rise by a marginal 0.4 per cent from £8.71bn in 2022. Although retail sales will remain steady this year, the data shows that consumers will wait until Cyber Monday to ensure they are getting the best deal available to them.
Retailers are predicted to see the highest spend figures of the Black Friday Weekend on Cyber Monday, with sales predicted to reach £3.34bn, a 6 per cent YoY increase compared to the £3.17bn spent in 2022. In comparison, retail spend on Black Friday itself is set to fall 0.2 per cent to £3.01bn – down £6m versus 2022.
Total UK Black Friday Weekend sales, 2019-2022 actuals, 2023 forecast
|
Sales |
Growth
(YoY %)
|
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|
(£bn) |
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| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (forecast) | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (forecast) | |
| Friday | £2.53 | £2.78 | £3.20 | £3.01 | £3.01 | 10.10% | 14.90% | -5.80% | -0.20% |
| Saturday/Sunday | £3.00 | £2.31 | £2.29 | £2.53 | £2.39 | -23.20% | -0.70% | 10.40% | -5.50% |
| Monday | £3.04 | £2.86 | £3.15 | £3.17 | £3.34 | -5.80% | 10.20% | 0.30% | 5.60% |
| Total | £8.57 | £7.95 | £8.64 | £8.71 | £8.74 | -7.20% | 8.70% | 0.80% | 0.40% |
Despite rising living costs putting pressure on personal finances, two-fifths (40 per cent) of consumers say they are likely to make a purchase over the Black Friday weekend. With this in mind, it is expected that for each minute over the Black Friday weekend, retailers will generate a staggering £2.63m both online and in-store this year, equating to £157.79m every hour – rising 0.6 per cent YoY.
When it comes to the items consumers are snapping up first, nearly half (46 per cent) of shoppers plan to pick-up big-ticket items such as electricals, followed closely by discounted clothing and footwear (44 per cent), toys (35 per cent) and cosmetics (30 per cent).
Following the same pattern as 2022, some retailers are set to extend their Black Friday promotions to a two-week period, with this in mind, the report forecasts retailers can expect to see a total of £22.67bn in sales – equating to a growth of 0.2 per cent YoY.
Michael Brandy, senior commercial director at VoucherCodes.co.uk, commented: “After a tough year of economic uncertainty and with consumers being cautious with their spending, it’s good news that UK retailers can expect to see Black Friday Weekend sales remain steady.
“It’s clear from our data that people will be using the weekend to stock up on presents ahead of Christmas, however, shoppers will be making much more considered purchases this year – with many expected to wait until Cyber Monday to ensure they are getting the best deals. This year more than ever, retailers should think about how they can provide genuine value and make the customer experience as convenient as possible. Offering services such as free shipping, click and collect, and nominated day delivery can help build loyalty with your customers and differentiate you from your competitors.”
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