Data released by the e-commerce platform, Shopify, has shown that London was the top-performing city for Shopify merchants during the Black Friday-Cyber Monday period. This is surprising considering initial predictions of weak sales. However, both retailers and consumers defied expectations and global sales reached an impressive $9.3 billion, a 24% increase compared to the previous year.
The data also revealed positive trends in UK physical store spending, with a notable 28% increase from last year based on point-of-sale (POS) sales made by Shopify merchants. Moreover, cross-border orders accounted for 19% of sales for British retailers over the weekend, indicating the strength of UK exports for Shopify merchants.
When it comes to online shopping, UK shoppers displayed a preference for certain spending categories. The most popular category was Apparel & Accessories, closely followed by Health & Beauty, Home & Garden, Arts & Entertainment, and Food & Beverage. The average cart price for UK shoppers stood at £67.40.
The number of UK consumers purchasing from Shopify merchants during the Black Friday-Cyber Monday weekend increased by 22% compared to the previous year, with the peak sales hour occurring at 10 am on November 24. While London stood out as a top-selling city globally, Manchester and Birmingham also performed well in the UK market.
Interestingly, mobile devices accounted for a significant 77% of sales, leaving desktops with only 23%. The data also indicated that UK consumers are becoming increasingly savvy, with 83% of shoppers comparing prices to find the best deals. Additionally, 68% cited cost as a primary reason for switching brands, but product quality also played a significant role, with 77% expressing a preference for higher-quality, durable products.
Overall, during the Black Friday-Cyber Monday period, more than 61 million consumers worldwide made a purchase from a Shopify merchant, showcasing the platform’s global reach and success. London’s outstanding performance as a top-selling city only solidifies its status as a thriving retail hub. With these positive sales figures and consumer trends, it is clear that Shopify merchants can look forward to continued growth in the future.
Useful Links:
1. Buying Behavior on Black Friday-Cyber Monday 2018
2. Shopify POS
