Online will take a starring role this Christmas, as shoppers rely on click and collect services to pick up their presents in time for the big day, new research suggests.
Monday December 23 will be one of the biggest days for online deliveries, suggests a study from Verdict, which has dubbed the day Mad Monday.
Retail analysts Verdict say growing confidence in online retailing means shoppers will be more prepared to leave their buying until the last minute.
It predicts that shoppers will spend £11.6bn online in the fourth quarter of the year, up by 12% on the same time last year. Total spending in the three months to the end of December will hit £88.4bn, 2.2% up on the same time last year, according to Verdict. Of that £36.4bn will be spent on food and £52bn on non-food.
Patrick O’Brien, principal analyst at Verdict, said: “Shoppers have greater confidence in online retailing now and are prepared to leave holiday purchases right up until just before Christmas.
“This is supported by the rise of click and collect services, which will be much more in evidence this year. Retailers have rushed to develop and market their click and collect services, leaving shoppers the convenience of collecting purchases in store instead of having to ensure they are home at the right time.”
Maureen Hinton, research director at Verdict, says spending will be fuelled by the baby boom seen during the recession. “One of the prime targets for Christmas spending, kids, is growing,” she said.
There’s more detail in the Verdict infographic here.
