Despite concerns about consumer confidence, new data has revealed that cash-strapped shoppers in the UK have once again flocked online for bargains during this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Data compiled from around Europe by nShift, a global delivery management software provider, found that UK parcel volumes on Black Friday were 8% higher than they were in 2021. It’s a similar story for Cyber Monday with parcels generated on this day were over 28% higher compared to last year.
The spike in consumer spending is clear when the data from Black Friday and Cyber Monday is compared to a same-day average. For the UK, parcel volumes on this year’s Black Friday were 80% higher than normal, while Cyber Monday was 70% higher.
Lars Pedersen, CEO at nShift, said: “Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many feared that the global cost-of-living crisis would undermine the heralded days of discounts. But it’s now clear that shoppers this year are just as eager as last year for a bargain.”
The UK had one of the highest increases in parcel volumes in Europe throughout the four days leading up to Black Friday with every day parcel volumes increasing between 43% and 75% compared to the same day in 2021. Across the week, parcel volumes were up 36% compared to last year.
“This period sees a marked increase in parcel volumes being managed by retailers and it’s critical they’re on their A-game. If consumers don’t get the delivery experience they want, they will shop around for a better one. If this year’s Black Friday or Cyber Monday didn’t exactly go to plan, it’s not too early for retailers to start planning for next year,” Pedersen added.
nShift recommended retailers learn from this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday to stay ahead of the game for next year. The delivery management firm said the heart of getting it right is the ability to shape a shopping experience that works for the customer, and that means providing the right delivery options, keeping customers updated and making returns simple.
