• Spending is predicted to decrease £1.4 billion from last year’s total of £7 billion.
• Over 4 in 10 Brits to participate this year, down from 62% in 2018.
• However, sale shoppers plan to part with £251.20 each on average, which is £15.37 more than last year.
• Almost all bargain hunters will buy something online (92%) over the weekend, while under half intend to spend in stores (44%).

22 November 2019, LONDON –

British shoppers plan to spend an estimated £5.6 billion this Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend.

However, this is £1.4 billion less than in 2018 (£7 billion), according to new research by personal finance comparison website finder.com.

The drop in the total is due to significantly fewer Brits planning to take part in the sales this year, (42% vs 62% last year). Those intending to participate are set to spend £15.37 more on average. This means they are set to spend £251.20 this year, compared to £235.83 in 2018.

Online shopping dominating the high street

Most Black Friday and Cyber Monday purchases look set to happen online, with 92% of shoppers saying they will buy something over the Internet. This includes over half (56%) who intend to do all of their sales shopping online.

In contrast, only 9% will get all of their sales shopping from stores, while just over a third (35%) of Brits will get their purchases from a combination of physical stores and websites.

Brits less sold on Black Friday than Australians and Americans?

Parallel research conducted by Finder in the USA found that Americans are twice as likely to participate in the shopping weekend (86% v 43%). They are also planning to spend over £300 each. In Australia, the figure drops to three quarters (76%) of residents taking part in the sales, but this is still significantly higher than in the UK.

Spending for him or her?

As in previous years, men said they will be spending more than women – this year the average difference is £74.43 (£288.94 vs £214.51). They are slightly less likely to participate this year, however (48% v 52% of women).

Sales drawing in a young crowd

Generation Z (born after 1996) is set to be the generation that spends the most and has the highest proportion of shoppers this Black Friday. Almost two thirds (64%) plan to fork out £261.29 on average.

Those from the silent generation don’t appear to be convinced by the occasion. Only 13% will take part and they will part with an average of £162.22 each.

Londoners continue to lead the way with spending

Just like last year, Londoners are looking to splash the most cash compared to other areas of the UK. Spenders from the capital plan to fork out £374.74 each on average, which is £123.54 more than the national average (£251.20). At the other end of the scale is Wales, where shoppers intend to part with just £139.24 on average.

For full breakdowns of how Brits plan to shop this Black Friday and what they plan to spend, visit: https://www.finder.com/uk/black-friday-statistics

Commenting on the findings, Jon Ostler, CEO at finder.com, said: “Typically Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales can be a great opportunity to find bargains. From our research, it’s clear that consumers favour online shopping and this can be great for comparing prices so you can get the best deal.

“However, it’s easy to impulse-buy. Our research last year found that a fifth of people regretted purchases they had previously made in the sales so it’s worth planning ahead to avoid post-Black Friday regret. Make lists of your target products and work out how much you can afford to spend and shop around.”