Best Financial Markets Analysis Article Last Saturday December 17th was hyped across the broadcast media as being "Super Saturday" which was forecast to be the busiest shopping day of the year based on research by online comparison site Kelkoo.

However, reality does not match expectations at one of Britains largest shopping malls Meadowhall Sheffield, where the question I kept asking was where are the shoppers?

Many shoppers appeared less eager to buy and were more focused on making price comparisons on their smart phones as they used stores as effective showrooms to finalise their online shopping lists in time for delivery for Christmas, which is not so surprising given that the same goods can be bought for as much as 1/3rd cheaper online than in the stores, which is part of a decade long accelerating trend against which no high street retailer can win and will eventually also lead to the demise of many UK shopping malls, and perhaps not so many years from now even the mighty Meadowhall itself could disappear into the retail history books just as many giant shopping malls across the United States have been abandoned or demolished.

Meadowhall Christmas Shopping Times

The shopping mall during most of December is open weekdays 10am to 11pm, Saturday 9am to 8pm and Sunday 11am 5pm

Christmas Holiday timings are - Eve 9am to 4pm, Boxing Day 9am to 8pm, 27th-30th 9am to 10pm

New Years Holiday timings are - Eve 9am to 4pm, Day 11am to 5pm, 2nd Jan 11am to 6pm

Retail Sales

When the retail sales figures start to come through during the coming weeks, I expect "Super Saturday" as for most of December will likely turn out to be a bad month for consumer spending as consumers tighten their belts ahead of what looks like a bad economy during 2012, which will put many retailers who on the edge of bankruptcy so watch for many retailers to go bust during early 2012.

On a bright note, distressed retailers should give shoppers opportunities to pickup deeply discounted bargains during the post Christmas sales, which I will take a close look at in the run upto Christmas.

Source and Comments: http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article32247.html

By Nadeem Walayat

http://www.marketoracle.co.uk

Nadeem Walayat has over 25 years experience of trading derivatives, portfolio management and analysing the financial markets, including one of few who both anticipated and Beat the 1987 Crash. Nadeem's forward looking analysis focuses on UK inflation, economy, interest rates and housing market. He is the author of three ebook's - The Inflation Mega-Trend; The Interest Rate Mega-Trend and The Stocks Stealth Bull Market Update 2011 that can be downloaded for Free.

Nadeem is the Editor of The Market Oracle, a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication that presents in-depth analysis from over 600 experienced analysts on a range of views of the probable direction of the financial markets, thus enabling our readers to arrive at an informed opinion on future market direction. http://www.marketoracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any trading losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors before engaging in any trading activities.

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Comments

Pat
22 Dec 11, 15:43

Croydon Shopping centres are packed full!

Can't believe seeing an empty shopping centre before Christmas. Not here in Croydon, it's full of people -lots of cars queuing for the multi-storey car parks. Mind you lot's of shoppers without store bags from what I can see. Hope it's not just sleep walking!

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