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UK online retailers are getting ready for what is expected to be the busiest online shopping day the country has ever seen.
The US even saw sales up 28.4 per cent compared to last year, and the UK’s equivalent is set to follow suit.
Experian forecasts 115 million visits to UK retail websites, meaning a 36 per cent rise on 2011. The researchers also predict a whopping 15 million hours will be spent online on Cyber Monday alone.
Taking place on Monday 3rd December, one week after the US’s Mega Monday, consumers are expected to spend £320 million on Visa cards transactions alone.
A recent survey by bss digital revealed that nearly 10 million people would use their smartphone or tablet to do their Christmas shopping this year. So retailers need to make sure they have mobile friendly websites to make the most of this shift from PC to mobile device.
Experian reports that 2011’s Cyber Monday saw the UK make 84.6 million visits to online retail sites, with Amazon and eBay being responsible for 28 per cent of all retail visits on the day.
“Christmas 2012 is on track to be another record-breaker for online retail, outstripping 2011 on all fronts,” commented James Murray, Digital Insight Manager at Experian Marketing Services.
“Monday 3rd December will be the peak of pre-Christmas shopping in the UK so marketers need to make sure their campaigns are in place to maximise traffic on Cyber Monday: it’s not too late to promote special offers through email and social media. Understanding what people are interested in, the best channels to engage customers through and when to reach them will be crucial to success this Christmas.”
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