Study of UK retailers and shoppers prompts new ‘last minute’ response
Studies of last-minute Christmas consumer habits and retailers’ responses has prompted the launch of a new tool to help last-minute shoppers.
The new tool is the brainchild of ParcelHero and responds to consumer findings, which reveals that Argos is the retailer to offer the latest cut-off point for shoppers, still operating on Christmas Eve and offering a same-day service. It will reveal the last order dates for most of the UK’s major online retailers, from Firebox to Harrods.
ParcelHero’s Head of Public Relations, David Jinks MILT said: ‘We’ve been talking to the major retailers and have found quite a range of last delivery dates. Last year’s latest ordering deadline winners, Very, are still competitive with a 10pm cut-off on December 23, but Argos has taken the crown as it advises its same day service is still operating on the 24th. Other more traditional stores are stating their final orders are as early as the 16th.’
‘While no delivery companies want to encourage last-minute deliveries, because of the risk of gifts missing Christmas Day we think it’s best to make sure customers are fully informed of the cut-off dates for placing orders.
The new tool reveals the official final order dates for major retailers and brings them all together one one handy page in A to Z order.
David added: ‘Of course the last thing delivery companies want is a flood of last minute orders before Christmas, and we encourage people to order their gifts in good time and not risk the possibility of their gifts failing to arrive in time for Christmas. But we acknowledge there will always be a percentage of shoppers who do leave their shopping as late as possible.’
