Britons have been queuing in the cold this morning to grab their Boxing Day bargains, with many planning to spend more in this year’s post-Christmas sales than they have in the last two years, according to research.
Today, as the UK’s festive sales began across the UK, customers were seen standing outside JD Sports store in Leeds.
Others were also seen gathering at the Bull Ring Zara shop in Birmingham, as Zara launched their Boxing Day sales.
Shoppers plan to spend an average of £247 each in the end-of-year sales, an increase of £85 on 2020 and £61 more than 2019.
Around 30% of bargain hunters admit that they began browsing sales around Christmas Eve. 27% will confess to having spent time on Christmas Day.
Omicron worries have led to 34% of online shoppers choosing to shop on the highstreet. This is a sign that footfall will plummet.
Stores including Primark, JD Sports, New Look, Zara and H&M opened their doors to shoppers looking to land a festive bargain this morning.
On a wet Boxing Day, a group of people start to line up at JD Sports in Leeds City Centre.
People wear umbrellas, and their coats when they are waiting outside JD Sports to prepare for the sale.
Crowds of people queue outside Zara for the Boxing Day sales in Birmingham today
Argos, Currys PC World and Matalan are just a few of the retailers that will be welcoming customers.
Shoppers will still be able to shop at Asda and Tesco Supermarkets.
Amazon, Boots and Asos all started their Boxing Day Sales early, and the prices for sought-after products like Apple AirPods were reduced.
However others including Marks & Spencer, Next and John Lewis have decided not to open, giving workers a day off after a year dominated by the pandemic.
The Entertainer is the UK’s most popular toy store. It will be closed as usual on Sundays because of religious reasons.
The latest research, which was commissioned by Barclaycard Payments, showed that 31 per cent of shoppers will buy clothes, shoes and accessories while 25 per cent of shopper have food and drink at the top of their sales lists this year.
The smart savers also say that discounts on Christmas items such as decorations are near by. 24% of Christmas shoppers want to cut costs now and prepare for Christmas 2022.
The research also found Brits will also be sales shopping with families and friends in mind, with 24 per cent planning to buy gifts for their nearest and dearest.
One fifth of them are looking for bargains on shared experiences such as concerts tickets. Another fifth is trying to find a discount holiday for the year that they missed.
It was also revealed that 29% of respondents said they’d be looking to buy Christmas gifts next year, and 22% will be seeking Mother’s Day gifts.
A poster outside JD Sports Leeds in Leeds indicates that items are being reduced by 50% today
Primark will be open to customers looking for a Boxing Day deal today. (Stock image)
JD sports also plans to open branches today for Boxing Day sales. (Stock image)
Today, shoppers will be able shop in supermarkets like Asda or Tesco. (Stock image)
However, 47% believe inflation will affect the amount they spend overall. Only 49% expect to pay less.
Boxing Day is still the best day for sales shopping. However, 45% of the people questioned indicated that they would shop less often in shops during the sale period. Four in ten said they’d shop online to save time and avoid crowds.
34% of respondents said that they prefer online shopping, while 22% stated it is more convenient and lets them spend quality time with their loved ones during holidays.
22 percent are looking for support from smaller businesses as well as those who live closer in sales.
Harshna Cacyley, Head, Online Payments at Barclaycard Payments said that the increase in spending compared to previous years was a good sign for retailers.
“It shows that consumers, even though inflation is increasing and concerns about Covid-19, are still keen to shop for sales, even though some larger retailers will close their stores on Boxing Day.
“Yet we’re also more aware of the purchase we make.
“Buy items to celebrate the New Year with the help of special deals, while keeping environmental and cost concerns in mind.
According to the study, consumers also plan to make more sustainable purchases. 27% want to purchase fewer fast fashion items and 26% are trying to cut down on their plastic consumption.
To be more eco-friendly, 25% will cut down on the amount of over-ordering and return. 20% will look for deals with sustainable retailers.
However, John Lewis and Next have also decided to close their stores. This gives workers an extra day of rest.
Marks & Spencers will be closed Boxing Day. This gives staff an opportunity to take a day off from a year that was dominated in the aftermath of the pandemic.
With rising prices in 2022, many shoppers are making use of this opportunity to stockpile items they will need for the next several months. 37% plan to purchase gifts for their upcoming birthday.
Clare Bailey (Independent Retail Expert) and founder of The Retail Champion said, “I am encouraged to see the Christmas Sales are more popular than ever. Despite the challenges of this past year and the looming effect of inflation.
“As the most important moment in retail history, it is promising that many are prioritising sustainability shopping and considering the larger impact of their purchases.
“Based on conversations I have had with local retailers, I know that local businesses expect high sales during the festive season so it’s a pleasure to see that the relationships between local shops and consumers remains strong.”