Britons downloaded thousands of apps ahead of the annual Black Friday shopping spree according to analysis from app tracking specialist Airnow PLC.
Non-essential shops were closed due to the second COVID-19 lockdown, which pushed even more shoppers to use their mobile phones to get the best deals, said Airnow.
In the seven days leading up to Black Friday (27th November), Apple iPhone downloads of Spanish clothing brand Massimo Dutti jumped 637%, jeweller Carrie Elizabeth saw a 231% rise over the previous week while Zara and Nike downloads increased by 36,000 and 34,000 across the UK, or 136% and 114% respectively.
On Android phones, fashion, jewellery and beauty app Cute recorded an incredible 86,000 new users, a weekly increase of 978%, making it the second most downloaded app across any category on Android devices throughout the past seven days.
Tim Armes, Airnow Data Client Services Director, said: “It may have been a challenging year for retailers as Covid-19 restrictions prevent shoppers from physically browsing the high street, however the thirst for convenient shopping from your phone shows no sign of slowing.
“Airnow Data’s Mobile App Analytics show that there have been huge increases in downloads as bargain-hunters looking to treat themselves or shop for Christmas gifts eagerly anticipate Black Friday savings.”
