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Jingle Tills: Scottish shoppers set to splurge £3bn in last-minute Christmas dash – Scottish Business News

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Jingle Tills: Scottish shoppers set to splurge £3bn in last-minute Christmas dash – Scottish Business News

As the clock ticks down to Christmas Day, Scottish retailers are bracing for a festive spending frenzy before the big day. With the final Saturday and Sunday before the 25th known as ‘Super Weekend’, this last-minute shopping spree is expected to see Scots shell out a staggering £3 billion, providing a much-needed boost to the retail sector.

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has emphasized the crucial nature of this weekend for businesses across the country. Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the SRC, stated:

“This is a pivotal weekend for high street shops. If Christmas sales do not meet expectations, there is a genuine risk of seeing more high street closures in the New Year.”

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that some retailers could face closure if sales remain sluggish. With rising costs on the horizon, including an additional £190 million due to changes in national insurance in Scotland, the success of this holiday season is more critical than ever for the survival of many businesses.

Spending Trends and Consumer Behaviour

Despite economic challenges, there are positive signs for retailers. A recent survey by PwC revealed that nearly a quarter (23%) of Scottish consumers plan to spend more on Christmas this year compared to 2023.

This increase in festive spending aligns with the UK-wide trend, where overall Christmas expenditure is expected to reach £22.7 billion, a 5% rise from last year.

The shopping frenzy was expected to peak on Saturday [21st Dec], with predictions suggesting a spend of £1.53 billion on that day alone across the UK.

Tony Doonan, the Scottish regional secretary for USDAW, noted: “As the holiday season approaches, shop workers are sacrificing time with their families, leading to heightened stress levels.”

In-Store vs. Online Shopping

While online shopping continues to grow, many Scottish consumers are opting for the traditional in-store experience this Christmas. PwC’s analysis found that more than one-third (38%) of shoppers in Scotland plan to purchase Christmas gifts in-store.

This trend could provide a welcome boost to Scottish high streets and shopping centres. As one retail expert commented: “Consumers are seeking out the full festive experience, with almost 40 per cent saying they’ll shop in-store – perhaps combining some early Christmas celebrations with their shopping.”

As the shopping rush intensifies, both the SRC and unions have urged the public to treat retail workers with respect, in the wake of reports of increased incidents of verbal and physical abuse towards staff during this busy period.

MacDonald-Russell emphasised: “No employee should have to leave work on Christmas Eve after being yelled at.”, reminding shoppers to maintain their festive spirit and show consideration for the hardworking retail staff during this hectic time.

With Scotland’s crucial ‘Super Weekend’ now past and Christmas Day on the horizon, the hope is that the last-minute Christmas dash will have brought some much-needed cheer to the sector, ringing in a positive end to what has been a challenging year for many businesses.

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