Amazon launched Black Friday deals today – three weeks before the day itself as retailers compete for their share of early festive spending.
Millions are already doing their Christmas shopping after they were ‘spooked’ by forecasts of shortages.
Warnings about gaps in shelves and reduced choices this December were caused by a supply chain problem, backlog at ports, and a shortage of workers including HGV drivers.
As a result, retailers are stepping up deliveries by rail, including specialist ‘wine trains’.
Millions are already doing their Christmas shopping after they were ‘spooked’ by forecasts of shortages
Shops can stock up on 4.5 million bottles with the help of a service that runs from Tilbury, Essex to Daventry, in the Midlands.
Black Friday falls on the last Friday in November but Amazon, Currys, AO.com and others are launching deals as they compete for their slice of an estimated £84.7billion to be spent ahead of December 25.
To avoid any weekend chaos caused by sales and courier delays, they are keen to spread out purchases over multiple weeks.
According to the Office for National Statistics toys, shoes, food and even frozen turkeys were some of the top-selling items this year.
Amazon has used its financial might to grab a huge share of UK container ship imports from the Far East, while it has been paying signing on bonuses of up to £3,000 to hire staff to cover its Christmas delivery operation. The company promises to offer 20 days of discounts with new deals added daily.
Black Friday falls on the last Friday in November but Amazon, Currys, AO.com and others are launching deals as they compete for their slice of an estimated £84.7billion to be spent ahead of December 25
You can save up to 45% on Echo smart speakers or Kindle ereaders, and as much as 45 percent on its other devices. The company is offering discounts of up to 40% for top brands such as Oral-B. Shark. KitchenAid, Sony and KitchenAid, along with offers from artisans and small businesses through its Marketplace.
Steve Dresser, managing director of Grocery Insight, said shoppers are buying early because they have been ‘spooked’ by reports of shortages.
According to him, inflation and higher fuel prices were putting pressure on household finances. He suggested that shoppers should shop early in order to spread Christmas costs. Direct Rail Services has the capacity to carry the same amount of freight as 76 HGVs, so supermarkets are looking for rail freight providers like Direct Rail Services.
Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions for the Rail Delivery Group trade body, said: ‘We’re happy that rail freight can play a central role in delivering Christmas cheer, ensuring families have everything they need to celebrate in style.’