UK Black Friday online sales rise 12% as retailers hope for festive boost

Online sales in the UK for Black Friday increased by 12% compared to last year, with transactions up 11% by lunchtime. Retailers are hopeful this boost will lead to a festive spending surge, coinciding with many consumers' payday. Despite the rise in online shopping, foot traffic to physical stores fell by 0.5%. High streets saw a 2.5% decline, while shopping centers and retail parks experienced slight growth. Analysts suggest that evening shopping may improve high street numbers. Concerns remain about the environmental impact of increased deliveries and the risk of fraud, as Nationwide reported a 20% rise in transactions and an 18% increase in potentially fraudulent activity. Retailers anticipate a busy holiday season, especially with Christmas falling on a Wednesday.