This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/dec/20/christmas-shoppers-spend-panic-saturday

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Christmas shoppers set to spend £1.2bn on ‘panic Saturday’ Christmas shoppers set to spend £1.2bn on ‘panic Saturday’
(about 3 hours later)
Consumers are expected to spend £1.2bn as Christmas shopping reaches fever-pitch on what has been dubbed “panic Saturday”.Consumers are expected to spend £1.2bn as Christmas shopping reaches fever-pitch on what has been dubbed “panic Saturday”.
The Centre for Retail Research estimated that 13m shoppers will spend £2.1m a minute on gifts and groceries on Saturday, with in-store sales reaching £4.74bn over the five days before Christmas - a 21% increase on last year.The Centre for Retail Research estimated that 13m shoppers will spend £2.1m a minute on gifts and groceries on Saturday, with in-store sales reaching £4.74bn over the five days before Christmas - a 21% increase on last year.
Widespread delays in the delivery of online orders after Black Friday could drive 14% more consumers in to Britain’s high streets and shopping centres before 25 December.Widespread delays in the delivery of online orders after Black Friday could drive 14% more consumers in to Britain’s high streets and shopping centres before 25 December.
Worldpay claimed that department stores could expect to double their takings this weekend, with outlets in the north of England set to benefit most.Worldpay claimed that department stores could expect to double their takings this weekend, with outlets in the north of England set to benefit most.
Tuesday is predicted to be even busier, with Visa Europe projecting that £1.3bn will be spent on its cards in 34m transactions.Tuesday is predicted to be even busier, with Visa Europe projecting that £1.3bn will be spent on its cards in 34m transactions.
The seven-day period before Christmas Day is expected to result in a 7% rise in spending and an 8% increase in transactions compared with the same period last year.The seven-day period before Christmas Day is expected to result in a 7% rise in spending and an 8% increase in transactions compared with the same period last year.
Kevin Jenkins, Visa Europe’s UK and Ireland managing director, said: “Black Friday kickstarted Christmas on the high street and online this year, but the busiest bricks and mortar day will likely remain in its traditional slot close to Christmas.Kevin Jenkins, Visa Europe’s UK and Ireland managing director, said: “Black Friday kickstarted Christmas on the high street and online this year, but the busiest bricks and mortar day will likely remain in its traditional slot close to Christmas.
“Retailers’ multi-channel approach should cause a surge in footfall from click-and-collect sales too, with the opportunity for further shopping in-store when consumers arrive.”“Retailers’ multi-channel approach should cause a surge in footfall from click-and-collect sales too, with the opportunity for further shopping in-store when consumers arrive.”
Westfield expected Saturday to be the busiest shopping day of the year so far. Its two London centres attracted more than 320,000 people on the last Saturday before Christmas in 2013.Westfield expected Saturday to be the busiest shopping day of the year so far. Its two London centres attracted more than 320,000 people on the last Saturday before Christmas in 2013.
“Promotions continue to be a key factor this year following the huge success of Black Friday where we had over 20% growth year-on-year,” a spokesperson said.“Promotions continue to be a key factor this year following the huge success of Black Friday where we had over 20% growth year-on-year,” a spokesperson said.
Birmingham’s Bullring centre said it expected about 200,000 shoppers through the doors on Saturday and a further 110,000 on Sunday.
General manager Michaela Moore, said: “With many schools now on their Christmas holidays we’re anticipating a busy few days.”
Sales at Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield were 4% higher than last year – the biggest increase since 2008.
David Barford, retail operations director at John Lewis, said its stores were expecting a busy Saturday but predicted that momentum would continue into next week: “People know they have more time to do their shopping.”
He said that deliveries were also running smoothly.
Three quarters of the top 100 high street retailers have begun their sales already in a bid to lure shoppers with discounts averaging 45%, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).Three quarters of the top 100 high street retailers have begun their sales already in a bid to lure shoppers with discounts averaging 45%, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
On Oxford Street in central London, Marks & Spencer was offering 30% off almost all its knitwear, while the US chain Gap had discounts of up to 60% on a wide range of items.On Oxford Street in central London, Marks & Spencer was offering 30% off almost all its knitwear, while the US chain Gap had discounts of up to 60% on a wide range of items.