Retailers are preparing for a more tranquil Boxing Day this year despite the release from pandemic restrictions as the cost of living crisis weighs on shoppers’ budgets.
Spending is expected to hit nearly £3.8bn on 26 December, according to an analysis by GlobalData for Vouchercodes.
That is down almost 4% on last year was already a tough one for retailers of fears of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, which prevented some people from hitting the high street and led to restrictions on store openings in some areas.
That income figure indicates a big dive in the volume of items bought, given that inflation is running at more than 10%, so shoppers will be spending more per purchase. More than a third of this year’s Boxing Day bargain hunting is expected, done online, where £1.25bn will be spent.
Adding to the dampener on the classic post-Christmas shopping spree is the fact that multiple major chains – including Aldi, Iceland, John Lewis, Pets at Home, Poundland, and Beaverbrooks – will be completed on Boxing Day. Many are carrying on a practice started in the pandemic, and some cases even earlier, of rewarding hard-working staff with a day of rest after the active festive shopping season.
Richard Walker, the managing executive of Iceland Foods, said: This year has taken its toll on everyone, so officially shutting our doors on Boxing Day is just a small token of appreciation to our employees.
As we move into the winter month, the cost of the living burden will unfortunately only strengthen, and as we work relentlessly to pass on protection and support to our customers, we must again examine after our teams who are at the forefront of this crisis every day across the UK.
The anticipated fall in Boxing Day trade compared with last year continues a long decline in popularity of the annual shopping tradition, as the height of the US-inspired November discount day, Black Friday, and the move towards starting end-of-year sales before Christmas Day have combined to steal its thunder.
Shoppers are expected to pay 4% less on Boxing Day and during the post-Christmas deals as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, according to new data.
Analysis by Barclaycard Payments found that the average shopper intends to buy £229 worth of things in the post-Christmas sales period, a reduction of £18 compared with 2021.
Nevertheless, it always represents a busy end to 2022, with technology retailers expected to particularly benefit from shoppers seeking a bargain. Personal technology items were the most sought-after by those questioned about post-Christmas sales, at 42% of consumers.
Food and drink items are also expected to be widespread, according to the credit card business.
Harsha Cayley, head of online payments at Barclaycard Payments, said: “The rising cost of living and inflationary forces have naturally had an impact on the amount being spent in the post-Christmas sales this year. Traders can take confidence knowing that shoppers still plan to make the most of the deals and discounts on offer.”
The research found that a growing number of shoppers expect to turn to resell sites to buy items after Christmas. It discovered that almost three in 10, 28%, are planning to use platforms such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace to unload unwanted Christmas presents.
Cordie Davies, 20, a researcher from Newcastle, said: “I use platforms like Depop to sell unwanted gifted items, such as make-up, skincare, clothes, and jewelry. I often sell skincare behind Christmas as if the product isn’t in my usual routine won’t use it, and I list clothes know won’t wear.
“Last year, I was given a polaroid branch from my godfather that wasn’t compatible with the camera I have, so I sold it on Depop to put towards my traveling funds.”
A new data set from recognition card company Barclaycard has launched that shoppers expected to spend 4 percent less on Boxing Day and during the post-Christmas sales as the cost of living crisis continues to rise.
Barclaycard projects that the average person will spend £229 in post-Christmas sales, £18 less than last year, according to a BBC report.
Harsha Cayley, head of online payments at Barclaycard Payments, commented on the rising cost of living and inflationary pressures. This affected the amount spent on post-Christmas sales this year.
Dr. Sarah Montano, retail specialist and senior lecturer of marketing at the University of Birmingham, said customers wished to be cautious because of the heating bill, which in turn will impact their overall spending.
However, many individuals, including teenagers and young adults will have to accept cash or gift vouchers. They will be examining to spend them during the Boxing Day sales. Dr. Montano predicted that retailers will want to draw them and get a nice boost after Christmas.
Boxing Day is a holiday that is traditionally celebrated in the United Kingdom and different Commonwealth countries on December 26, the day after Christmas. It is a public holiday and multiple retailers hold sales on this day, similar to the Black Friday sales held in the United States on the day after Thanksgiving. If interested in participating in the Boxing Day sales a good idea to do some research beforehand to find out which retailers are participating and what deals they are offering.
