Shimmer and high heels were key fashion buys for Black Friday period

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Dec 7, 2021

Regardless of how Covid-linked events play out in the remaining weeks until Christmas, so far, the appeal of party season staples seems to be strong with new data from Clearpay showing good demand for going-out looks across the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping period.

The buy now, pay later (BNPL) giant said that “we're going full Gatsby, with sales of sequinned clothes and accessories up 588% on last year and high heels flying off the shelves, with a 248% increase on last year”.

Clearpay also said that Black Friday “belonged to homeware, beauty and fashion, with year-on-year orders rising by 170%, 61% and 35% respectively, indicating the nation will glam up both inside and out — whether hosting at-home gatherings or hitting the town following last year’s hiatus”.

The usual party season interest in shimmer, shine and high heels subsided last year as locked-down consumers shopped for dressy loungewear and slippers instead.

But for many consumers, the prospect of parties, nights out and family get-togethers was a key fashion driver in November. How long that lasts is unclear with UK consumers also becoming more nervous about mixing with crowds this party season due to the rise of the new Omicron virus variant.

Another key trend that Clearpay has noted this year is that “BNPL is no longer the reserve of Gen Z and millennial consumers. Clearpay’s Gen X’ers (41-56 year olds) made up 13% more of the customer base on Black Friday compared to last year”, it said.

Meanwhile, its customers showed a clear preference for shopping from mobile devices, with 92% of consumers using their phones to shop the deals.