UK Retailers offer 90% Discounts to save Chistmas Trading

Retailers are scrambling to salvage the end of a bad year of business by mounting their biggest ever pre-Christmas sales in the final hours before December 25.

Analysts have predicted that discounts for consumers, which have already reached unprecedented levels, will hit a new height as stores attempt to win over shoppers out to find last-minute Christmas bargains.
A growing list of major stores have announced discounts of 50 per cent or more in sales to start as early as 7am on Christmas Eve.

[IMHO, a last ditch attempt to save the rapidly failing UK Economy, which wont work]

[Steve_A]

Hi Colin,

As I said in a different thread, I was really suprised with the bargains I could find when I was in the UK a few days ago. It was a pity that my bags weren't bigger!

I too saw promotions for 90% off. In Barnsley it seemed commonplace. I can see other retailers hitting the wall, so for those who have spare cash, now is the time to buy what you need.

Next year I don't think the promotions will last, I think the shops will start to close....

There will be deflation which will catch many with their pants down. It's now that retailers and business directors need to plan for the future, at least a plan 'B'. Planning costs nothing, but will cost a lot if not done. Those 'caught
by suprise' have no excuse.

By the way, over here in Brazil, the economy grew this year, and sales are slightly higher, so not so many offers for us I'm afraid, we'll hae to wait until January.

Best regards,

Steve

Originally Posted by Colin

Retailers are scrambling to salvage the end of a bad year of business by mounting their biggest ever pre-Christmas sales in the final hours before December 25.

Analysts have predicted that discounts for consumers, which have already reached unprecedented levels, will hit a new height as stores attempt to win over shoppers out to find last-minute Christmas bargains.
A growing list of major stores have announced discounts of 50 per cent or more in sales to start as early as 7am on Christmas Eve.

[IMHO, a last ditch attempt to save the rapidly failing UK Economy, which wont work]

Steve:

Nick Hood, a partner at the corporate rescue and recovery specialists Begbies Traynor, said: "I would not be surprised if between 10 and 15 national and regional chains collapsed before the end of January."

[Swanny]

Just goes to show how much profit they were making to discount by 90% and how desperate they are to do so.
I think next year we are going to see most shops closing down.
Then we will end up with tescos and they will stick the prices so high that we can't buy anything.

[Jacqui D]

Originally Posted by Colin

Retailers are scrambling to salvage the end of a bad year of business by mounting their biggest ever pre-Christmas sales in the final hours before December 25.

Analysts have predicted that discounts for consumers, which have already reached unprecedented levels, will hit a new height as stores attempt to win over shoppers out to find last-minute Christmas bargains.
A growing list of major stores have announced discounts of 50 per cent or more in sales to start as early as 7am on Christmas Eve.

[IMHO, a last ditch attempt to save the rapidly failing UK Economy, which wont work]

They might as well stand out on the streets and give it all away it's not going to help one bit when the new year comes in.

Another 15 large stores they say will go into liquidation in the next few weeks,
they won't say who yet, Tesco's supermarkets are now saying they are under threat from cheaper shops AR! shame! when only a few weeks ago they were saying they made big profits!

Things are going to get tougher i feel.

[Swanny]

Best to stock up with anything and everything you need asap

[Jack]

The signs are everywhere.

Just an example of the effects happening on a minor scale, a reflection of whats happening on the bigger scale.

My local barber told me that people were coming in once a month instead of twice a month anymore. And a few are even leaving it for longer, his estimated loss of sales is between 50 and 60%. I used to wonder how he ever got by before, i cant imagine him making it through next year at this rate.

One of the local amusment arcades looks completely deserted. In the past month they have upped the price of a game of pool from €1 to €2 (rippoff!!) .. a desperate attempt really when you think about it. It was hardly the smartest thing to do considering i can play for €1 in the pub down the road.. played my last game of ripoff pool in that place today!