SALES-crazy Brits splurged millions yesterday in an internet shopping frenzy that began on Christmas Eve.The dash for bargains meant Christmas Day saw one of the BUSIEST online bonanzas ever — even with stores shut.
Yesterday’s spend — as retail sites received 82 million visits — was estimated at a whopping £500million.
Business peaked at around 8.15pm. Today is poised to see £2.9BILLION raked in — both in stores and online.
The splurge followed a scramble for bargains even before Santa did his rounds.
Thousands flocked to the websites of Currys and PC World — as the stores launched sales at 7pm on Christmas Eve.
The net will remain king today — despite many shops throwing open their doors for the traditional Boxing Day sales.
Four million are expected to hit the High Street — but they will be outnumbered by five million who go bargain hunting without leaving their homes, say experts at Moneysupermarket.com.
Richard Lim, of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Shoppers are increasingly taking advantage of seasonal discounts from their armchairs.”
Shoppers heading into the capital were warned to beware of a planned 24-hour London Underground strike.
BRITS gave more than £2billion worth of unwanted presents this Christmas, researchers estimate.
Clothing, toiletries and ornaments were the most common gift gaffes, according to website Gumtree.
Londoners had the most expensive haul of unwanted prezzies,worth an average of £51.75.
But only two per cent would admit to not liking a gift.
£2billion gift gaffe