Black Friday gross sales boosted retail income by greater than 10% in Scotland, with footfall rising by virtually 5% in comparison with 2023, newest figures present.

The Scottish Retail Consortium has revealed information on procuring patterns on the Black Friday week in 2024 (Sunday to Saturday gross sales figures) in comparison with the equal the earlier yr.

Information included year-on-year footfall for Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, from November 29 to December 2, and the increase was credited with nearer proximity to Christmas and in addition to resulting from payday falling later within the month.

Analysis discovered that with on-line procuring, gross sales of non-food gadgets in Scotland elevated by 10.7%, whereas with out on-line, it was a 7.55% improve year-on-year.

The UK proportion of non-food gadgets purchased on-line was 45.5% in Black Friday week, much like 45.4% in 2023, and about 10 proportion factors larger than the typical week.

UK footfall was up 4.8% on Black Friday and 10.6% on Cyber Monday, yr on yr, and up 4.1% for the four-day interval.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, stated: “Scotland’s buyers took benefit of promotions and presents each in particular person and on-line because the Black Friday weekend lastly kicked off Christmas buying and selling.

“Retail parks and procuring centres noticed the largest surge of consumers over the Black Friday weekend, with general footfall rising 4.8% on Black Friday week as in comparison with the earlier yr.

“The elevated visitors helped retailers to a much-needed Black Friday increase, with gross sales up 10.7% for non-food for the week, helped by its nearer proximity to Christmas this yr.

“Black Friday stays an omnichannel occasion, however on-line progress nonetheless confirmed the largest features within the remaining week, with computing, vogue, and wonder among the many hottest classes.

“After this sturdy begin retailers can be hoping clients proceed to come back out to the outlets over the approaching weeks to make this a Christmas to recollect after a disappointing yr for retail buying and selling.”

Linda Ellett, UK head of shopper, retail and leisure at KPMG, stated: “Retailers can be relieved that buyers have been holding again their November shopping for for Black Friday week promotions, rectifying the disappointing retail gross sales ranges seen throughout the remainder of the month. Black Friday week noticed progress of over 6% on final yr.

“With Christmas in sight, retailers are hoping that the reward shopping for isn’t completed but and can be maintaining an in depth eye on their information as they aim their festive promotions and Boxing Day gross sales to seize shopper consideration as soon as once more.”

Andy Sumpter, Sensormatic Options EMEA retail advisor, stated: “Motivated by the prospect of widespread discounting, buyers acted quick and decisively, heading into shops to select up bargains. The timing of Black Friday is prone to have helped increase footfall efficiency.

“Going down every week later than in 2023, Black Friday landed on or simply after payday for a lot of customers this yr. This, in addition to the discounting occasion coinciding with the beginning of Creation, may have helped retailers acquire early share of spend, as buyers sought out Black Friday offers and picked up discounted Christmas items.

“After a shaky begin to the Golden Quarter earlier in October and the beginning of November, retailers may have welcomed the increase to retailer visitors Black Friday delivered.

“With a number of of busiest in-store procuring days nonetheless to come back in December, many can be hoping this run of optimistic footfall efficiency continues as they give the impression of being to capitalise on vital Christmas commerce.”