Retailers set for £3.04 billion boost this 'Panic Weekend'

With less than a week to go until Christmas, new data has revealed how much shoppers are set to spend this 'Panic Weekend' in the final sprint to the big day.

Shoppers are expected to spend £3.04 billion from 21-22 December as they rush to finish their Christmas shopping.

That's according to VoucherCodes, which forecasts a "strong" weekend of sales for retailers, with 39.3 million consumers expected to shop either in-store or online.

This gives brands and retailers the chance to capitalise on Brits who have left their shopping to the eleventh hour.

Super Saturday (21 December)

'Super Saturday' looks to be the busiest and most lucrative day in the run-up to Christmas, with 21.2 million people set to splurge £1.53 billon - that’s 11.7% more than last year.

With 15.6 million shoppers predicted to spend £1.11 billion in-store, increasing 4.7% compared to 2023, high street sales will account for the majority of spending.

Meanwhile, a further 5.6 million Brits are forecast to shop online, spending £42 million and up 35.5% against 2023.

Stampede Sunday (22 December)

When it comes to 'Stampede Sunday', the data suggests that 13.6 million Brits are forecast to spend £1.14 billion in stores.

As well as shopping in person, a further 4.5 million people will spend £38 million from the comfort of their homes as they rush to squeeze in orders before Christmas cut-off dates.

Michael Brandy, Senior Commercial Director at VoucherCodes, said: "With overall spend for Christmas expected to rise 4% this year, and Panic Weekend marking the most lucrative two days of the ten days leading up to Christmas, retailers should brace themselves for a welcome last-minute festive rush.

"With just a few days left until Christmas, many consumers will be heading to the high street to pick up their presents in-person. This gives retailers the perfect opportunity to capture their attention with top-tier deals and discounts.

"Positioning in-demand items such as gift sets, winter accessories, and toys front-and-centre will help to lure panic-shoppers through the doors."