From today (Thursday 16th December), even the largest online retailers will start to close their doors to pre-Christmas orders, forcing a predicted 15.2 million shoppers onto Britain’s freezing high streets next week for last-minute panic purchases, according to a new poll by Western Union.
Frenzied festive shoppers are set to collectively panic purchase 36 million unwanted gifts in the final days before Christmas – worth a staggering £2.1bn – as they make less-than perfect-decisions in their haste, according to the poll.
Those planning to beat the online Christmas Cut-Off by selecting Special Delivery options with internet retailers can expect to fork out up to £5.00 each on top of each festive order.
With more than one in three Brits keen to receive cash as a gift, according to the new research, Western Union is reminding potential panic buyers that they can give the gift of cash instantly from hundreds of locations around the UK or by using Western Union’s online service.
“We’re forced into rash purchasing decisions and expensive mistakes,” said Rajiv Garodia, Regional Vice President at Western Union.
“Our advice is to consider sending cash as a gift. When you consider that 21 per cent consider it to be a thoughtful and personal present, you can understand why Christmas is one of Western Union’s busiest times of year.”
Cut off dates for the UK’s five biggest online retailers
1. Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com – 16th December
2. Argos – 22nd – 23rd December (depending on item ordered)
3. Play.com – 20th December (two to five working days)
4. Apple – 21st December
5. Tesco.com – cut off date for Christmas deliveries varies
