Only one in three retailers are optimistic about their Black Friday business prospects this year, despite predictions average spend will rise nine per cent.
According to a new study by Royal Mail Parcels, 33 per cent of retailers think this year’s sales event will be positive, dropping to just 19 per cent among senior decision makers.
This seeming apprehension across the retail sector comes despite predictions Black Friday will continue to break records, with Kantar suggesting UK shoppers are set to spend an average of £246 compared to £225 a year prior.
Attitudes to the wider Christmas period are more positive, with 53 per cent of retailers saying they were optimistic about the quarter, alongside 39 per cent of senior decision makers.
“If businesses are well prepared for Black Friday and Christmas, they can reap the benefits of a busy but fruitful festive season,” Royal Mail Parcels managing director Nick Landon said.
The study also revealed that 18 per cent of retailers started preparations for this year’s festive period immediately after 2016’s had ended, while 24 per cent began preparations over summer.
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