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Is Christmas no longer magical? British economic growth is weak, holiday consumption patterns are changing – International – Instant International #Christmas #longer #magical #British #economic #growth #weak #holiday #consumption #patterns #changing #International #Instant #International

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Published: 7:44 a.m. on 12/25/2025

Is Christmas no longer magical? British economic growth is sluggish and holiday consumption patterns are changing
In Manchester, England, people recently shopped at the Christmas market. (Internet photo)

(London Comprehensive News on 25)As the UK retail sector prepares for the end of the yearhigh season. British media pointed out that due to low economic growth, high inflation and political uncertainty, they have put great pressure on British businesses and consumers.The boost in retail sales has waned to levels last seen during the 2008 recession.

British media have revealed that after four consecutive years of sluggish sales, data shows the economic magic of Christmas in the UK appears more “unreliable” than ever. Retail sales during the UK festive period are around 30% of the entire year, and for general retailers such as department store chain John Lewis this figure is as high as 50%.

Originating from the American “Black Friday” promotion (4th Friday in November), it was introduced in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, thus modifying the “exclusive” Christmas contribution to the winter sales. There are now two consumption peaks during the festival.

Richard Lam, CEO of research consultancy Retail Economics, said: “This is simply a change in consumption patterns and does not lead to increased consumption.”

Is Christmas no longer magical? British economic growth is sluggish and holiday consumption patterns are changing
Earlier this month, Outernet’s electronic billboard in London, England, promoted Amazon’s “Black Friday” promotions. (Internet photo)
Is Christmas no longer magical? British economic growth is sluggish and holiday consumption patterns are changing
The Labubu doll float appeared during the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” held in New York on the 27th of last month. (Reuters photo)

Black Friday has become the most popular day for online shopping in the UK. Data from Adobe Analytics shows that total online consumption during the four-day holiday in 2025 will reach 3.8 billion pounds (RM20.766 billion), an increase of 4.6% from the same period last year.

Although “Black Friday” boosted the retail sector, data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics showed that retail sales in November this year were still below expectations, down 0.1% from October.

Low consumer confidence has also led to increased demand for discounted products. Adobe Analytics data shows that during this year’s Black Friday weekend, the average discount rate across all retail categories was 16.7%.

Andy Sumter, retail consultant for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at technology company Sensormatic, said this reflected pressure on household budgets and created two groups of consumers: those who buy gifts in advance to have more time to find good deals; and those who wait until the last minute for prices to finally drop.



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