The Christmas season, aka the Golden Quarter for the retail industry. Forecasts for 2025 are positive, suggesting a combined online and instore growth of 4.7% compared to 2024.
With some retail sources stating that up to a quarter of annual revenue is taken in November and December, the festive period is big business for the sector.
Though forecasted growth of online sales shows double that of instore, festive spending at the shops still makes up 62.7% of total sales, attributing to £57.1bn.
Research from Retail Week suggests that the vast majority of shoppers in 2025 will have a hybrid approach to their festive shopping. Many of them undergoing online research around 14 days ahead of purchasing instore. These specific insights highlight the importance of a consistent omnichannel retail experience.
Having a solid omnichannel presence allowed M&S to draw shoppers instore through click and collect. This resulted in the retail giant seeing a 20% increase in click and collect orders last year.
For much of retail, physical footfall means more sales with instore spending remaining the UK’s preferred way of purchasing. Though online shopping continues to grow, the presence of physical stores remains hugely important with shoppers favouring the experience that instore shopping provides.
The Christmas period remains the biggest opportunity for retailers to drive shoppers instore through immersive festive experiences.
Last year the Selfridges’ instore Christmas experience, which included artwork installations and live music events, saw the retailer’s festive sales increase by 8%.
Other notable retail festive experiences include:
Harrods with its famous Christmas World, festive events and stunning window decorations, drawing in over 300,000 people per day
John Lewis who has collaborated with LEGO® for their 2025 Christmas experience
UK garden centre retailer Garsons, who won the Best Christmas Destination Garden Centre 2024 for the third year in a row. This year’s theme is The Wonderful World of Oz and features dazzling displays and festive events
The famous Bath Christmas Markets, now in its 25th year, draws in nearly half a million visitors each year. Driving festive footfall to the city and around £60.4million turnover for local businesses
But how can smaller retailers draw customers instore through Christmas experiences?
Adding some festive sparkle to your store doesn’t need a big budget.
Why not try?
Festive scents and music
Window displays
Instore only promotions
Gift wrapping service
Personal shopping advice
Instore festive events
Children’s craft area
Food or drink samples whilst customers shop
Festive photo booth
The aim is to create an immersive sensory experience, that will make an emotional and memorable connection with your customers. Something that they cannot get online and will keep them returning to your store long after the Christmas season is over.
EPOS Systems provide point of sale support to retailers across the UK. If you’re opening a new outlet or are looking to renew or update your current system, give us a call on 0333 577 6001 or complete the form below.