According to digital media firm, GlobalData, UK retail sales are forecasted to reach £99bn in the lead up to Christmas. Beauty in the non-food sales sector is expected to be the primary driver of these sales.
GlobalData predicts that shoppers will spend on premium lines for gifting and self-treating, due to a wider choice of brands and greater shopping knowledge, especially in terms of ingredients. However, confusion over Brexit combined with the low confidence of consumers is estimated to inhibit big-ticket spending.
Thanks to the lure of loyalty schemes and discounts, online is predicted to outdo traditional retail outlets this Christmas. Social media is also expected to boost online spend. The ease of both the shopping function on Instagram and Pinterest directly linking to retailer product pages is expected to drive impulse purchases of partywear and gifts.
Amazon is set to stay as the top choice for gift purchases in the UK because of its broad product range and loyal Amazon Prime Subscribers turning to the online retail giant before any other retailer.
