By Sarah Blackman
UK retailers predict Saturday 30 November will be the busiest day for online sales during the Christmas trading period, a study by the Royal Mail has revealed.
Despite initial forecasts that ‘Cyber Monday’ on 2 December would be the busiest web-shopping day, the study showed that small and medium sized (SME) online retailers expect festive sales to peak on the last Saturday of November.
The research also revealed that one third of almost 500 UK SME online retailers have invested in Apps and other IT upgrades to make it easier for consumers to purchase their goods through their smartphones this Christmas.
Free delivery will be offered by 27% of UK SME online retailers, while 15% will offer free returns to encourage shoppers to buy from them.
Royal Mail Parcels managing director Nick Landon said: “Christmas is the busiest time of year for Royal Mail and our customers. Our research shows UK SME online retailers have been planning extensively for the important Christmas period, responding to customer needs to ensure they win their share of sales.”
“Royal Mail has also responded to ensure we handle parcels on behalf of online retailers and their shoppers as effectively as possible,” added Landon.
Amazon is expecting to beat the 3.5m sales it made on Monday, 2 December 2012, when it shipped 41 gifts per second.
