includeRetailers’ plans to avoid a pinch point on Black Friday paid off as MasterCard data showed strong sales ahead of the event.

The latest figures revealed UK consumers spent £1.8bn on Black Friday, an 8.7% rise on 2014. However year-on-year growth the previous Black Friday was 23.6%. 

Spending on the two days before and the day after Black Friday totalled £4bn, a year-on-year rise of 9.7%. 

Fortnight of deals

Shop Direct was among the retailers that launched an extended Black Friday campaign, releasing deals over a fortnight. Amazon also ran before and after promotions, including its Cyber Monday Deals week ending today.

MasterCard UK & Ireland president Mark Barnett said: “The growth in sales in the days preceding Black Friday and days immediately after indicates a concerted effort by retailers to spread sales and avoid some of the logistical headaches experienced last year.”

Furniture, electronics, clothing and department stores all saw greater year-on-year sales growth in the days around Black Friday than on the day itself, MasterCard figures showed. 

Online surge

The results also backed up earlier data showing a jump in online spending. E-commerce spend ahead of Black Friday and the day itself jumped 37%, according to MasterCard.

The most pronounced shift was at department stores and spending on clothing. Department stores saw online sales growth of 42% in the days leading up to Black Friday, and a 22% rise on the day itself. 

 

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