Black Friday has been the ‘busiest shopping day on record’ with ‘over 114 transactions every second’

This years Black Friday has been the “busiest shopping day on record” and according to Nationwide there was 9.92 million purchases made on Friday.

Mark Nalder, director of Payment Strategy at Nationwide Building Society, said: “This Black Friday was the busiest shopping day on record, up 2% on Black Friday 2022, with our customers making 9.92 million purchases – equivalent to over 114 transactions every second.

“While some of this would have been everyday spend, many will have used the day to help them get a bargain on Christmas presents or a treat for themselves.

“While most will be happy with their purchases, others are likely to regret their impulse buys and it is likely we will see a few refunds into customers’ accounts over the next few days and weeks.”

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Nationwide said that by 5pm on Friday customers made a whopping 6.66 million transactions which was far higher than any other typical Friday by 11% and 3% more than Black Friday in 2022.

On Friday, Banking group Barclays data shows that in the week to Wednesday, half of the UK’s credit card and direct debit card transactions was up 1.4% compared to the same period last year.

Marc Pettican, the head of Barclaycard Payments, said, “Over the last few years we’ve seen Black Friday sales arrive earlier and earlier, with shoppers spreading their spending over a longer period of time.

“Although the cost of living may be impacting some shoppers’ spending on non-essential items, many are still taking the opportunity to bag a Black Friday bargain.”