UK retailers enjoy hectic Christmas business

UK stores prepared for panic-buying on the high street after the worst winter weather in 100 years forced many to postpone shopping trips in the run-up to Christmas Day.

Some retailers have already started sales, most of them online, with many more promising huge reductions via their websites from midnight tonight.

Robert Hall, director of Milton Keynes mall, thecentre:mk, said footfall figures on Thursday topped last year’s peak, with Christmas Eve also expected to set a new record.

He said: “This is a crucial time for retailers, and with so many shoppers disappointed by delivery of online goods, and considering the impact of the weather earlier this week, it is no surprise shoppers are out in their droves and spending.

“Traditionally Christmas Eve shopping is about food, but this year we are expecting today to be another record day of footfall growth and spending across all the retail brands, particularly as many retailers have opted to start their sales earlier than expected.”

John Lewis said it expected another busy day following “strong footfall” yesterday. David Barford, director of selling operations, said: “We predict more of the same right up to the end of shopping hours on Christmas Eve. This is largely driven by the last-minute nature of many male customers.”

While last Friday was the last chance to buy before Christmas, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said it was unlikely to top last Thursday, as many stores had shorter opening hours. Spokesperson Sarah Cordey said, “After the disruption of December, retailers will be hoping that all of last week they would have very good business.

“For people who couldn’t get out last weekend, a lot of offices are closed on Christmas Eve so there’s an opportunity for them to get out and do some Christmas shopping.”

Trade could also be booming for retailers on Christmas Day itself as analysts predict shoppers could spend more than €175 million online for the first time this year.

An estimated 4.8m people are expected to spend around €180m on the day, according to the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG).

And Boxing Day spending could top €350m for the first time, it said.

The figures are backed by payments company Visa Europe, which estimates that 960,000 transactions worth €42m will be made on Visa cards alone on Christmas Day, with Visa transactions accounting for more than €1.17 in every €4.50 spent.