LONDON, Dec 2 (Reuters) - The value of Black Friday sales in
Britain jumped 16.5% compared with last year, according to data
from payments firm Barclaycard, in a much needed boost for the
country's retailers.
Barclaycard, which processes nearly one pound ($1.28) in
every three pounds spent in the United Kingdom, said the volume
of transactions on the annual discount day rose 7.2%
year-on-year, while the volume of transactions on Cyber Monday
was so far up 6.9%.
With recent UK consumer spending subdued, Brexit still
unresolved and a Dec. 12 national election creating new
uncertainties, retailers have been hoping for a boost from the
promotion events that were first brought over from the United
States by Amazon in 2010.
Retail researcher Springboard said Black Friday saw a rise
in shopper numbers of 3.3% versus 2018.
However, some analysts urged caution in extrapolating
Friday's shopping data.
Independent retail analyst Nick Bubb said this year's event
was helped by chilly and dry weather.
"The fact that this year it coincided with the November pay
day and was a week closer to Christmas means that it was bound
to have been stronger than last year and the cannibalisation
impact on December trading is yet to unfold," he said.
Though traditionally focused on stores, Black Friday has
increasingly become an online event, blending with Cyber Monday
to create four days - and often longer - of special offers.
U.S. retailers kicked off Cyber Monday by launching a slew
of deals earlier than usual over the weekend, seeking to sustain
the momentum of a record $11.6 billion in online sales on
Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
($1 = 0.7794 pounds)
(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Mark Potter)
Barclays (BARC)
