According to the EMarketer's UK Christmas Season Retail Sales forecast, one-fifth of UK Christmas season retail sales will be digital this year.
The main Christmas 2016 period (November and December) will see UK eCommerce sales reach an estimated £16.9 billion, up from £14.65 billion in 2015. The report also found that there will be a notably increase in smartphone buying in the UK this year, which it says will account for 36.4 per cent of total mobile commerce sales, still slightly behind tablet usage.
Overall UK retail sales are expected to reach £83.22 billion during the holiday shopping season in 2016, representing annual growth of 1.3 per cent. This marginal rise is an improvement over 2015, when retail sales during the festive period declined by 0.3 per cent.
Commenting on the report, an analyst for eMarketer says: “Retail ecommerce sales during the festive season look set to shine this year, despite the wider economic conditions in the UK.
“This is in no small part due to a digitally advanced consumer, who has been quick to embrace digital buying and particularly smartphone buying. And during the Christmas shopping period, these digital habits become even more accentuated.”
With this in mind, it is important that retail business owners remain competitive, by keeping up with the changing times and listening to and meeting the needs and expectations of their customers.
Our specialist business advisers at Beavis Morgan work closely with retail businesses, helping them access new markets and expand their service offerings. We are also available to assist with strategic planning, system implementation, business turnaround and improving business performance for the future.
For more information about how we can help you and your retail business, contact Steve Govey or your usual Beavis Morgan Partner.
Further reading:
Digital technology and social media key to reaching customers