Christmas Day makes way for ‘Clickmas Day’ for people keen to pick up a bargain

CHRISTMAS Day is turning into “Clickmas Day”, as millions of people log in and shop online – keen to pick up early bargains from the sales.

The e-retail association Interactive Media in Retail Group forecast that consumers would spend £186.4 million online on Christmas Day, with the Boxing Day spend expected to be almost double that at £367.8m.

These estimates were said to represent a 12 per cent increase on the amount spent last year according to the group.

Ellen Flood, shopping expert from website Shopow, said: “Budgets have been tight for shoppers this year and so retailers have responded by rolling out rock bottom prices online and on the high street.

“But now they have bought presents for friends and family, many will be returning to the online stores at the earliest opportunity to get something special for themselves without breaking the bank.

“There are many discounted items being introduced immediately after Christmas and therefore plenty of bargains to be had.

“The danger is that shoppers could become desensitised by the idea of lowered prices and may not see the attraction as vividly as previous years. Those stores that did hold their nerve and their prices in the run up to Christmas have their last throw of the dice for this year if they are to recoup earlier losses.”

Meanwhile, car accessory and bike retailers Halfords said 25 December has become the busiest online shopping day of the year. According to the retailer, customers begin logging on as early as 6am, sales soar till noon then fall from 1pm to 4pm as people eat lunch. Sales slow down in the early evening as people turn to Christmas TV before rising again to reach a peak at 11pm.

Halfords head of digital Jon Asbury said: “It’s not surprising to see that on Christmas Day, when the whole nation enjoys a day at home, people are using their leisure time to indulge in a little virtual shopping.”