Internet shopping has shown its growing dominance of Britain’s retail market as millions spent Christmas Day searching for bargains from their armchairs, with an estimated 3.6 million people going online, said Interactive Media in Retail Group (MRG). An estimated £52 million would have been spent during the day as retailers discounted heavily via their websites, the e-retailing trade body said.
Shoppers are expected to hit the high street today as stores – including Selfridges, Woolworths, PC World and Argos – open their doors for the first post-Christmas sales. These stores are offering reductions of up to 75 per cent, with women’s clothing expected to be one of the most heavily discounted sectors.
With pre-Christmas sales being lacklustre, retailers are keen on making up, and this saw some chains bringing in early sales of up to 50 per cent.
British Retail Consortium director general Kevin Hawkins said clothing, furniture and white goods should see good reductions.
“It all depends on just how much stock retailers have been left with after Christmas. This year, it looks like they might have a bit more than they would want to have,” he said.
Woolworths’ director of marketing Tony Holdway said: “We expect our stores to be packed on Boxing Day and throughout January with bargain hunters.”
Marks & Spencer reported brisk trading for its online sale. A spokeswoman said: “It has been a busy day online.
“Men’s suits and most areas of womenswear, including footwear, have been selling particularly well,” she said.
