Christmas this year is set to be the busiest for retailers since the recession began in 2008. Recent Verdict research anticipates consumers will spend at least £2 billion more than in 2012.
Depending on the country, certain days are significantly busier than others, according to data from shopper insights and analytics company, ShopperTrak. In the UK, the day after Boxing Day, December 27, ranks as the most hectic day for brick and mortar retailers across the Isle.
Elsewhere in Europe it is a very different story. December 14, which is close to a fortnight before the big day, is odds on to be a show stopper for Germany and France. Whereas the Spanish prefer to wait for the new year sales, with January 4 the day most shoppers venture to stores.
Conversion Hike
Foot traffic is not the only statistic to see a rise in the days leading up to and after Christmas. Conversion rates also improve during the festive period, according to CEO of ShopperTrak, Bill Murphy.
“Consumer confidence is on the rise and 2013 looks set to be a happier Christmas for us all,” Murphy predicted. “Conversion rates during the holiday season are traditionally very high with most people intent on shopping rather than browsing.”
In second place for the UK is December 21, the last Saturday before Christmas. Germany and France, proving they are nations of good planners, again share a similar runner up in December 7.
As for Spain, its second busiest shopping day is the day before its first, January 3. In fact, looking at the whole of the Spanish top 10, there are very few busy days that actually fall before Christmas Day.
