Parcelhero, an expert in home delivery services, is predicting a strong comeback for Black Friday sales this year after a lackluster performance in 2022, which they dubbed ‘Beige Friday’ due to a -1.9% decrease in sales. The company forecasts that UK sales will reach £7.5 billion over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend.
According to David Jinks M.I.L.T., ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, Black Friday was at risk of losing its appeal due to inflated prices and lack of genuine discounts. However, retailers seem to have learned from past mistakes, with 70% of sale items last year being cheaper on Black Friday than at any other time, with an average discount of 29%.
This year, major retailers like Boots, Amazon, Argos, and John Lewis have already started offering early bird deals in November, which have been well-received by consumers. This proactive approach to discounts is expected to attract more shoppers looking for genuine savings.
While sales saw a decline last month, there is already a noticeable increase in consumer spending in November. Brits, who have been cautious with their spending, are now eager to take advantage of the discounts offered during Black Friday.
Clothing sales, which saw a decline last year, are expected to perform better this time around as people look to invest in party outfits and winterwear. However, it is anticipated that electrical and tech items will continue to be the top sellers, appealing to both gift buyers and those looking to treat themselves.
Despite a -1.9% drop in sales last year, industry experts are optimistic about a strong Black Friday this year. Parcelhero’s forecast of a £7.5 billion spend is supported by PWC’s prediction of a £7.1 billion spend, with some sources like Statista even forecasting a £9 billion spend. This potential increase in sales could bring back the excitement and popularity of Black Friday.
Online shopping is expected to dominate this year’s Black Friday weekend, with a projected 41% increase in online spending compared to in-store purchases. Amazon is likely to be the biggest beneficiary of this trend, capturing a significant portion of the online sales.
While many shoppers are expected to take advantage of Black Friday deals for their Christmas shopping, there will always be last-minute shoppers. Parcelhero’s Christmas deadlines tool provides valuable information on retailers’ final online order dates, helping shoppers stay informed and make timely purchases.
