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People counter technology and foot traffic analysis highlights the 10 busiest shopping days in the run up to this Christmas

People counter technology and foot traffic analysis highlights the 10 busiest shopping days in the run up to this Christmas

 

ShopperTrak has identified 22 December, dubbed ‘Super Saturday,’ as the busiest shopping day of this year’s holiday calendar in Europe.

 

Between the 1 November 2012 and 8 January 2013, the people counting technology and foot traffic analysis provider is predicting that the 22 December will reach the highest combination of both sales and foot traffic in the UK, with France and Germany set to follow suit.

 

Long Christmas holiday prospects

 

Drawing on data from across the European retail landscape, the provider’s holiday season 2012 analysis shows that five of the busiest foot traffic days will take place between 20 to 24 December, as shoppers take advantage of the one final weekend before Christmas. It also flagged the days immediately following the 25 as also a huge retail opportunity due to an additional weekend falling between Christmas and New Year.

 

While holiday shopping patterns differ across Europe, France, Germany and the UK share the same top ten foot traffic days, with only their rankings differing slightly. Spain however, will see its busiest shopping day on the 5 January 2013 due to the traditional celebration of the Epiphany.

 

Maximising sales opportunities instore

 

“Retailers must prepare to maximise shopper opportunity while managing the increase in operating costs related to keeping stores open for longer during the holiday season,” said Todd Starcevich, chief executive of ShopperTrak in Europe and the Middle East.

 

“To make the most of late night opening hours, for example, retailers will need to understand and manage their store foot traffic better and focus on increasing shopper-conversion rates to improve sales. It will also be crucial to optimise staffing, scheduling, marketing and advertising with both the holiday calendar and individual store trends in mind.”