Cyber Monday sales volumes up 16.7% on 2020

Cyber Monday sales volumes were up 16.7% on 2020 levels and up 4.5% on 2019, according to data just released by Barclaycard.

The payments provider, which processes £1 in every £3 spent in the UK, recorded the volumes at 5pm today on the online retail equivalent of the Black Friday sale.

Online sales volumes on Black Friday itself were up just 1.2% on 2019, and up 26.6% on 2020.

Rob Cameron, CEO of Barclaycard Payments said: “Cyber Monday has been a huge success for retailers. Sales volumes today have increased by 16.7 per cent, compared to last year, and 4.5 per cent on 2019. All signs suggest that Cyber Monday is becoming increasingly important for both retailers and consumers. It's perhaps not surprising given the growth and investment made in e-commerce during the pandemic.

"Following increased transaction volumes on Black Friday, I would like to congratulate businesses for the amazing job they have done overcoming the challenges and preparing for the biggest online sales event ever. As we approach the final month of trading for the year, many retailers will be hoping that this welcome boost continues as consumers continue their Christmas shopping.”

Footfall in physical retail stores was muted on Black Friday. While shopper numbers were up week-on-week, experts at Springboard recorded that footfall across all retail destinations was -17% lower than the 2019 level reflecting the lack of tourism and the continued working from home trend.