Buckle up for ‘Panic Weekend’ says Vouchercodes Christmas shopping report

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
December 20, 2024

Super Saturday (21 December) is being widely predicted to be a frenzied affair, it being the final Saturday before Christmas, and a new VoucherCodes report said that, combined with this Sunday, £3.04 billion is likely to be spent by UK consumers.

Some 39.3 million people are expected to shop in-store and online over the weekend with Saturday having the edge as £1.53 billion is spent (making it the most lucrative day in the run up to Christmas), ahead of ‘Stampede Sunday’ when £1.51 billion will be spent over the day.

VoucherCodes is dubbing it ‘Panic Weekend’ and expects online to remain a key channel for shoppers to spend, even though some final delivery deadlines have already passed for some retailers. But given that deadline situation, it’s no surprise that physical stores will take the lion’s share of spend over the weekend.

Some £2.25 billion should be spent in stores, although interestingly, Sunday is predicted to take the prize here with a spend of £1.14 billion compared to Saturday’s £1.11 billion. Online spend is expected to be £0.42 billion on Saturday and £0.38 billion on Sunday — the lower figure on Sunday being no surprise given the chances of getting a delivery before Christmas will be slim.

Michael Brandy, VoucherCodes’ senior commercial director, said: “With overall spend for Christmas expected to rise 4% this year, and Panic Weekend marking the most lucrative two days of the 10 days leading up to Christmas, retailers should brace themselves for a welcome last-minute festive rush.

“With just a few days left until Christmas, many consumers will be heading to the high street to pick up their presents in person. This gives retailers the perfect opportunity to capture their attention with top-tier deals and discounts. Positioning in-demand items such as gift sets, winter accessories, and toys front and centre will help to lure panic-shoppers through the doors.”