Barclays tells UK retailers to prepare for ‘appy’ Christmas
Britain’s despondent retailers have been handed some much-needed Christmas cheer in the form of a new industry survey which paints a picture of record mobile spend.
The trend, outlined by Barclays, will see High Street retailers benefit from an explosion in mobile sales as more consumers than ever purchase goods via their phones.
Just over half of respondents (55 per cent), expect spend to rise this festive season with 69 per cent citing practical presents as the main growth driver.
The so-called ‘appy’ Christmas is being powered by the preponderance of click and collect services which help shoppers and retailers avoid the vagaries of postal delivery.
What is more the rise of digital devices is expected to contribute to a holiday sales surge as 65 per cent of retailers believe that online traffic will rise by at least 11 per cent on Christmas day.
Richard Lowe, Head of Retail & Wholesale at Barclays said: “Christmas Day may be one of only two days a year when retailers are not physically able to throw open their doors but, that won’t stop consumers bagging sales bargains online. This means more festive cheer for retailers looking to maximise sales during the all-important Christmas period”.