Shops in desperate need of Black Friday bargains are hoping to be given a boost tomorrow.
Some 45 per cent of us intend to hit the high street or shop online for this year’s event, according to research – a big rise on the 38 per cent last year.
Nevertheless, 82% of respondents expect to give more cash in 2019 than they did in 2020.
Estimates on spending vary, with one study putting the figure at £9billion and another suggesting it will hit a record £12billion.
As record-breaking numbers of shoppers hunt for Black Friday deals, desperate stores hope for an opportunity tomorrow.
Because of the threat of low stock levels in the weeks leading up to Christmas, shoppers were encouraged not to wait.
This week, AO World, an electrical giant, and other trade organizations confirmed stock problems related to container shipments that have been delayed for years and port congestion.
And it was claimed yesterday that the global supply chain issues mean some Christmas tipples could ‘disappear from supermarket shelves’.
Accountancy firm EY, which conducted the survey of shoppers, said: ‘Interest in Black Friday is significantly higher than last year.
‘Reports of supply chain challenges and product shortages appear to be encouraging consumers to bring forward purchases.’
The firm’s Silvia Rindone said: ‘Our survey shows that the appetite to spend is out there.’
Insurer Direct Line is predicting spending of £12billion on a staggering 30million items on Black Friday.
It puts the number of shoppers taking part at 17million and average spending of £700. In recent years, Black Friday has mostly been an online-only event.
Some 45 per cent of us intend to hit the high street or shop online for this year’s event, according to research – a big rise on the 38 per cent last year
Analysts Springboard who track street shoppers expect a rise of about 20% tomorrow, however.
This comes just a few days after nearly 50 of the top drink companies sent Grant Shapps a warning about shortages.
They said that without ‘urgent action’ retailers face falling ‘deeper into delivery chaos’.
Miles Beale, chief executive of The Wine and Spirit Trade Association, which organised the letter, said: ‘We are already seeing major delays on wine and spirit delivery times which is pushing up costs and limiting the range of products available to UK consumers.’
Chefs in the food industry also cautioned that products could become less diverse.
Shane Brennan, chief of trade body the Cold Chain Federation, said shelves would not be empty but ‘all the extras’ people like indulging in at Christmas may not be on offer due to the need to ‘simplify’ supply chains.
A Government spokesman said: ‘The UK has a strong food supply chain and we do not expect any issues in ensuring Christmas drinks will be on the table.’