November 19th, 2009

Predicted Sales Patterns This Christmas

As I am sure everybody is aware, tax will revert back to its familiar figure of 17.5%, from the 15% introduced in November last year.

Such a change in VAT will have a significant effect on the Christmas period for consumers, as this change comes into effect on January 1st next year.

Consequently, retailers are expected to introduce cheaper prices before the VAT rise, even numerous weeks before Christmas itself.

Additionally, retailers could begin their January sales before January, immediately after the Christmas shopping period has ceased.

In terms of online marketing, research suggests that websites could begin to offer discounts on Christmas Day itself.

Further suggestions indicate that Monday 7th December is expected to be the busiest day for online Christmas shopping.

Shopping comparison site Kelkoo predict that 72% of people would use the internet for shopping this Christmas, with 38% intending to do the majority of their shopping online.

To read the full article, please use the folliowing link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8365939.stm