Latest figures from the UK ecommerce trade body (IMRH) claims that UK shoppers are set to spend an incredible £7bn online this Christmas. (up on the previous £6.8bn in 2010)
The uplift has been predicted due to the distinct shift in consumer behaviour; faster broadband at home and a greater sense of trust in spending hard earned cash online have all contributed. However, the biggest enabler is the clear opportunity provided through affordable smartphones; retailers have recognised the shift and acted upon it – with over 74% of top 50 UK retailers having now adopted either a mobile optimised website or a smartphone app.
Next Friday, the 25th November, is the aptly named “Black Friday” the so-called “busiest shopping day online” this day is supposed to represent the start of the frantic shopping season. The actual origin of the name (according to Wikipedia) harks back to the Philadelphia Police Department and is not a term of endearment! "Black Friday" officially opens the Christmas shopping season in the city, and it usually brings massive traffic jams and over-crowded sidewalks as the downtown stores are mobbed from opening to closing….
Thank god for super quick broadband and smartphones….Happy Christmas Shopping!