Massive boost for Black Friday expected as shoppers stock up
It is believed that Black Friday sales will see a boost this year as worried shoppers are expected to stock up. It is forecast consumers are worried about supply chain issues and will start Christmas shopping early.
According to data company Springboard, it is predicted that from 21 November there will be the biggest bump in footfall, of 7.9% compared with the previous week, of the seasonal shopping period.
That compares with a 6.5% uplift predicted for the last week before Christmas Day.
It would also mean a resurgence for Black Friday – which has slowed down in importance over the last couple of years even before the pandemic.
“The widespread awareness amongst consumers of potential supply issues this Christmas is likely to lead to consumers bringing their Christmas purchasing forward to November in order guarantee the availability of their desired gifts,” the report said.
Stores are encouraging shoppers to buy gifts early due to the possibility of shortages closer to Christmas Day.
Across the six-week festive shopping period – from 21 November to 4 January – footfall is expected to be 17.4% lower than in 2019, according to Springboard.
However, that would still see footfall – a measure of visits to shopping destinations – 80.9% above where it was in 2020 when pandemic restrictions were in place.
Diane Wehrle, insights director at Springboard, said: “This year, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the supply issue associated with the shortage of HGV drivers… will, unfortunately, cause further issues for bricks and mortar retailers over the Christmas trading period.
“In addition, the end of the furlough scheme, coinciding with recent increases in energy prices are likely to dampen footfall as household spend on Christmas gifts is constrained and family experiences are favoured.
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