Consumers hoping to bag a Black Friday bargain are expected to spend more than ever online on what is likely to be the biggest shopping day of the year
More than half a million people visited the Currys PC World website before 6am on the morning of Black Friday.
The chain has reported its “highest ever” number of orders – with an increase of 40% on last year.
Stuart Ramage, e-commerce director at Dixons Carphone, said: “As we predicted, shoppers are making the most of our stores being open early, but also placing orders by mobile devices with our highest ever mobile traffic share since Black Friday began.”
By mid-morning, shoppers on social media were reporting problems as they attempted to purchase goods online.
Would-be splurgers said the websites of high street shops New Look and River Island, and online retailer Missguided, were crashing.
John Lewis said it was taking five orders every second online and the busiest period so far had been between 8am and 8.30am as people shopped on their way into work.
It also saw a spike of sales made through mobile phones between 8am and 9am, with a 21% increase.
Dino Rocos, John Lewis lead director and operations director, said: “Sales on johnlewis.com exceeded expectations overnight as customers logged on to take advantage of our great Black Friday deals.
“We have carefully planned for this year’s Black Friday event to ensure orders can be fulfilled without compromising the customer service and seamless delivery we’re famous for.”
