Congratulations! Another Record Black Friday for Online Sellers

Despite stock shortages and signs that the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant might have curtailed high street footfall during the Black Friday Cyber Monday shopping period, a 26% increase in purchases makes it clear that Britain’s love of shopping is still very much alive.

 

As Black Friday in 2020 had been significantly impacted by Covid, this year there had been speculative spending predictions of a downward curve in expenditure prior to the day. News of stock shortages and global shipping delays also added uncertainty. 

 

However, Barclaycard has revealed that Black Friday 2021 spending volumes surpassed those of both 2020 and even the pre-pandemic shopping day in 2019.

Black Friday sales figures 2021

Black Friday sales pushed consumer spending on credit and debit cards in Britain to its highest level since before the first lockdown of March last year, and the Office for National Statistics said card spending stood at 121% of its pre-pandemic level in February 2020.

 

Amid reports that visitors to the UK’s high streets fell by almost 28% – with café chain Prét a Manger reporting a drop in sales in 8 out of 10 locations – mobile shopping contributed to 72% of sales; generating $2bn revenue at an increase of 67% on 2020 figures. 

 

Shopify merchants rejoiced as they hit a record $2.9bn in global sales – a 21% increase on 2020 and doubling sales figures from Black Friday 2019.

 

What was trending on Black Friday Cyber Monday 2021?

Gauging what was trending proved difficult for advertisers, as data showed growth across the board, but the retail products that proved the most popular on Black Friday ranged from apparel for adults and children to home furnishings, Smart TVs and small kitchen appliances.

 

Conversely, Britons sought a health kick on Cyber Monday, as online sales of proteins, bodybuilding supplements and multivitamins rocketed, along with electronic goods like smartphones, laptops, headphones and printers.

 

In an article published by Retail Gazette, Rob Cameron, Chief Executive of Barclaycard Payments, said: “It is great to see that the trend we have been seeing throughout the day has continued, and retailers will be happy that today’s trading figures have surpassed those secured in 2019,”

 

“They will be hoping for this spending pattern to continue…in the run-up to the festive season.

 

“Consumers have retained their love for grabbing a Black Friday bargain, proving this event remains a firm fixture in the annual shopping calendar.”

 

What does this mean for 2022?

The yearly increase in Black Friday Cyber Monday purchases makes one thing clear: the UK’s demand to consume is not going anywhere but up. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a drastic shift to online shopping, introducing new and more immediate challenges for eCommerce businesses to face. Whilst sales growth continues, so does the magnitude of these challenges.

 

As shoppers increasingly turn to online channels, where they expect to find on-demand customer service with rapid or next-day order fulfilment, implementing a platform to connect your sales channels, streamline your processes and give you full visibility and control of every aspect of your eCommerce business could make or break your online strategy. 

 

Find out about how Expandly can help take the stress out of your multichannel sales in 2022, book a demo with a member of our team today.

 

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