It seems that e-commerce is still in bad shape. Despite being in the midst of a cost of living crisis, UK consumers have stuck to their commitment to the sale period.
Delivery management company nShift found that UK parcel volumes on Black Friday were up 8% over the previous year and 80% over a typical Friday. Cyber Monday was even better: 30% more than last year, a 70% increase from a typical Monday.
nShift also tracked consumer spending data in other northern European countries, all of which saw a large increase in e-commerce platforms compared to Friday's average. At the top of the ranking is Denmark with an increase of 126% and Finland, apparently less enthusiastic, with an increase of 58%.
Not discouraged consumers
Among other nations, Norway saw an increase of 84%, Sweden 79%, Belgium 69% and the Netherlands 67%.
Additionally, in the four days leading up to Black Friday, the UK saw the largest increase in parcel volume, between 43% and 75% compared to their respective days last year.
This is no doubt tied to the early Black Friday deals, which retailers are starting to roll out earlier and earlier to stay ahead of the competition, making it more of a black week than Black Friday.
"Buyers this year are just as eager for a bargain as they were last year," nShift CEO Lars Pederson said.
It may be because of the economic situation, rather than despite it, that sales have skyrocketed, with buyers eager to save money and grab a bargain before prices don't rise again.
Pederson noted that since the sale period is crucial for retailers, they need to get a good delivery service. He warned that "if consumers don't get the delivery experience they want, they will look for a better experience."
nShift further indicated that it was essential to personalize the customer experience, offering good delivery options, keeping customers informed about their order, and offering a hassle-free returns service.
- Did you miss Black Friday? Don't worry, there are still great tech deals out there.