Christmas shoppers will be spoilt for choice this Christmas, as High Street retailers slash prices to lure customers in before the VAT increase.
The rate of VAT is due to rise from 17.5% to 20% on the 4th January 2011, the first working day after the festive break. Experts predict a surge in purchases of expensive items, such as televisions and white goods, before Christmas, rather than in the January sales as usual.
High street retailers and businesses across the UK have been making plans for 'Beat the VAT' sales, with promotional material and posters already beginning to appear in shop windows across the country.
Jason Gordon from retail consultancy, Booz & Company, explained: "There will undoubtedly be a deluge of red stickers come November. Last year, we had "beat the VAT increase" posters everywhere. We will see the same, probably lots more.
"There will be a big squeeze on the disposable income of nearly all shoppers, because of the cut in benefits and rise in taxes. Retailers will be working extra hard to try to win over customers. It could be a very good Christmas for bargains."
Experts have also urged smaller businesses, in local areas such as Rugby, to follow the High Street's lead and bring their January Sale plans forward to beat the VAT increase and get a head start on what promises to be a very quiet beginning to 2011 as tax increases and benefits are cut.
The UK's leading consumer website, Kelkoo, has also urged local retailers to take advantage of this opportunity and to begin educating local consumers now on why they should snap up goods before the January increase.
The Best of Rugby member and local printing specialist, Oxygen Graphics, has already started its pre-VAT increase plans, offering a huge 50% off printed leaflets ahead of the festive season.
The ideal way to promote your 'Beat the VAT' sale, promotion or Christmas Sale, the offer is available to The Best of Rugby members until the end of November, so act today to avoid missing out.
