Cyber Week discounts

Almost eight in ten (78%) retailers who are participating in the Black Friday and Cyber Week sales this year are planning discounts of up to 50%, according to Yougov research commissioned by Royal Mail. Furthermore, nearly a quarter of retailers taking part in Black Friday said they would offer free gifts to shoppers spending over a certain amount, while nearly one in five plan to offer free shipping on all online purchases.

In a statement sent to Post&Parcel today, Royal Mail added: “Findings from the research suggest that the annual sales event could also be used by many retailers as a way to trial new products as part of a planned product entry strategy. Around one in ten said they planned to discount brand new products to generate interest in both the product and their business.

“Nearly half (45%) of retailers interviewed expect Black Friday to account for up to 50% of their Christmas period sales. When asked how they expect this year’s sales to compare to last year,  35% said they expect sales this year to equal that of last year, 12% believe sales to be higher this year, while only 6% think sales this year’s will be less than last year.