Black Friday 2024: UK Shoppers Set to Spend £9.14 Billion on Bargains and Christmas Prep

As Black Friday 2024 approaches, UK shoppers are gearing up to spend an estimated £9.14 billion over the long weekend (from 29 November to 2 December).

This represents a notable 4.5% increase from last year’s Black Friday weekend, during which UK shoppers spent £8.74 billion. According to the VoucherCodes.co.uk Shopping for Christmas 2024: The Black Friday Sales Report, this year’s spending surge is attributed to holiday shoppers eager to score deals and bring forward their Christmas purchases.

Black Friday Sales See Steady Growth Across the Board

While Cyber Monday is anticipated to pull in the most sales with an impressive £3.33 billion, it is actually Black Friday itself that will see the most substantial year-over-year growth.

Spending on Black Friday is projected to reach £3.18 billion, a 5.6% increase from 2023.

Additionally, the weekend will see strong spending on Saturday and Sunday, forecasted at £2.63 billion – a remarkable 10.2% rise compared to last year.

However, Cyber Monday is set to experience a slight dip in sales, with spending expected to decline by a modest 0.5% from 2023’s figures.

Read More: Cyber Monday Beyond: What to do Now and for the Future

Total UK Black Friday Weekend sales, 2021-2023 actuals, 2024 forecast

A Surge in In-Store Shopping: Offline Sales Expected to Jump by 9.1%

In a shift from recent years, in-store shopping is predicted to make a notable comeback, with offline Black Friday weekend sales expected to grow by 9.1% to reach £4.29 billion.

Despite the convenience of online shopping, many consumers are opting to visit stores to find deals in person this year. However, online sales will still hold the majority share, with an estimated £4.85 billion spent online throughout the weekend.

Read More: How to Attract More Customers to Your Business During the Holidays

Retailers Launch Early Deals, Boosting Two-Week Spending Totals

Many retailers have already kicked off their Black Friday promotions in October, allowing shoppers to start taking advantage of deals well in advance of the weekend itself. This strategy has increased spending over the two-week Black Friday period, expected to span from 22 November to 6 December. During this period, UK shoppers are forecasted to spend £23.70 billion, an increase of £1.03 billion, or 4.5%, from last year.

The Rise of Green Friday: A New Twist on Holiday Shopping

While Black Friday remains dominant, a growing subset of consumers is showing interest in “Green Friday,” an alternative to the traditional consumer-driven holiday.

Green Friday promotes sustainable shopping practices, encouraging consumers to make mindful purchases and support eco-friendly brands. Currently, only 9% of UK shoppers are aware of Green Friday unprompted, but when informed, around 32% express interest in participating.

This trend reflects a shift toward more environmentally conscious holiday shopping, though it remains a smaller part of the broader holiday retail landscape.

Read More: How Sustainable Retail Displays Can Boost Business Profits?

Retailers Prepare to Meet High Demand with Discounts on Key Items

Michael Brandy, Senior Commercial Director at VoucherCodes.co.uk, emphasized the importance of offering genuine discounts on in-demand items to attract shoppers. “VoucherCodes’ Shopping for Christmas Report paints a very nice picture for retailers this Black Friday. With the end of the year inching closer, it’s a great opportunity for brands to capitalise on the bargain buzz and boost end-of-year sales.”

Brandy highlights that brands focusing on discounts for popular categories like clothing, footwear, toys, and electronics are likely to see the most success this Black Friday season. With shoppers keen on finding the best value, competitive pricing will be crucial to winning over buyers in an increasingly savvy market.

Black Friday 2024 Promises a Profitable Season for Retailers

With consumers prepared to spend more than ever, Black Friday 2024 is set to be a high-stakes shopping event. As retailers prepare to meet the demand for holiday deals both in-store and online, early forecasts point to a profitable season that will boost year-end sales across multiple sectors.

Meanwhile, the budding interest in Green Friday signals a rising awareness of sustainable shopping practices, offering a fresh perspective on holiday retail that may continue to grow in years to come.