Play.com will "take Cyber Monday with both hands" says marketing director after it saw a 43% spike in online sales last year
As Cyber Monday approaches e-commerce platform Rakuten, owner of Play.com, has unveiled its research exploring the rise of online Christmas shopping on the first Monday of December.
Last year, Play.com was found to have a 43 per cent spike in sales on Cyber Monday, compared to the previous day, and two thirds of this spike was noted to be new customers.
Adam Stewart, marketing director at Rakuten’s Play.com commented: “Cyber Monday has landed in the UK and is here to stay, as December sets in and shoppers begin buying Christmas presents in earnest.
“This US export is a fantastic opportunity to engage with online shoppers and retailers should take it with both hands, whether that means offering a special deal, free delivery or just ensuring that shoppers can find the top sellers on your site.
“Retailers and merchants can host Cyber Monday with a British twist and make it successful by understanding their customers shopping habits and offering a great, personalised online experience.”
Rakuten also included research on the rise of online Christmas shopping over the past four years. Data from the IMRG has revealed that online spending has almost doubled in the last four years, going from £4.7 billion in December 2008 to £7.9 billion spent last December.
The IMRG has also predicted that UK online sales made through a mobile device could reach £1 in every £5 by Christmas 2012.