Super Saturday shopping boost

LAST-MINUTE Christmas shoppe rs a r e e x pec ted to enjoy w idespread discounting this weekend as retailers use Super Saturday to provide a much-needed end-of-year boost.

Worldwide accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) predicts people are planning to shop later and spend less this Christmas, in part because there is one less shopping weekend between Black Friday and December 25 this year.

This is likely to mean stores are under more pressure to increase promotions this weekend as they look to draw in more cautious consumers and clear seasonal stock.

Lisa Hooker, PwC’s consumer markets leader, said: “We expect to see significantly higher promotional levels this weekend and a bumper Boxing Day sale compared to previous years, with deep discounts for pa t ien t consumers.”

The predictions come as retailers end another difficult year after shoppers held off on spending until Black Friday and then exercised caution amid the uncertainty of Brexit and the general election.

But confidence appears to be increasing post-election, with the Consumer Confidence Index suggesting a significant uptick in optimism towards personal finances and spending plans.

Ms Hooker said: “The election and other distractions heralded a slower start to the month, so all eyes will be on this weekend’s Super Saturday when we expect a last minute rush to the shops, and potentially some big bargains for patient consumers.”

Analysts Springboard predicts footfall will peak on Saturday at 10% higher than last Saturday and 3% higher than the same Saturday last year.

But this is off the back of an annual drop of 4.4% last year, meaning this year’s figure remains negative over the two years at minus 1.4%.

Late shopping.