High street stores offer deals on Twitter to tempt festive shoppers
High street stores are turning to Twitter in an attempt to lure Christmas shoppers away from the big online retailers.
Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and Asda are among the retailers promoting special offers and exclusive discounts via "tweets" during the crucial business period.
Although yesterday was believed to have been the biggest online shopping day of the year, many experts predict next Monday could be even bigger, with sales of more than £350million.
A survey by accountancy firm Deloitte found 46 per cent of shoppers intend to buy more products online this year. It forecasts the market will be worth more than £25billion by next year.
Only four years ago, it was valued at just under £9 billion.
High street stores hope to offer customers a more personal approach than online-only retailers, using Tweets to contact them at home, in the office or, via smart phones, while they are out shopping.
Duncan Woolston, an analyst at consultancy The Continuity Company, said: "In the last three years, there has been a huge escalation of direct marketing through sites like Twitter - they provide retailers with a fantastic way of offering discounts.
"Twitter is also a very cost-effective means of targeting shoppers in comparison with traditional media. This trend is only going to escalate."
Colin Myer, 24, who works for Diffusion PR in Regent Street, is one of the new breed of shoppers using Twitter. He said: "I often use it to find discounts, as it's up to the minute. Last week I saw a discount on Waterstones' feed, so when I was out shopping in my lunch break I went in and got a good deal on a friend's birthday present."
Last month, Debenhams issued some of its Oxford Street staff with Black- Berrys to respond to shoppers' Twitter questions during its sale. Staff received questions about the availability of clothes in a particular size and requests for changing room help.
Spokesman Ed Watson said: "Customers have asked if we can incorporate Twitter into more stores. They are definitely open to more Twitter-related activity."
Christina Rebollo, of price-comparison site Kelkoo, said: "Twitter is a good way to get access to voucher codes: you find out about them there and then. Many codes have a very limited time period - sometimes just a few days."
Bargains going on Twitter
@marksandspencer
Sony Bravia 37" HD Ready LCD TV. Was £799, Now £599. Free del, installation, 5yr guarantee.
@DebenhamsRetail
Up to 50% off gifts.
@Asda
We're saving Mr Christmas' a fortune with our best value Xmas dinner which feeds a family of six for just £11.
@tkmaxx_UK
Stock up on perfect stocking fillers — big brand fragrances from just £9.99 (RRP £20) in stores and online.
@Waterstones
Deal of the day — Nigel Slater's Tender just £12, that's a saving of £18.
@ocadouk
Add some fab Philly flair to your cooking with our offer... buy two packs of creamy Philadelphia and save 50p.
@littlewoodsebay
Deal of the Day #DOTD — Christmas Gift Wrap Set —Now only £7.99.
@NewLookFashion
Instyle are loving our red satin bow bag, it's just been reduced from £12 to only £5.
