It has been revealed that in the lead up to the Fourth of July, spending is expected to be around £5.1 billion as online businesses in the UK are advised to capitalise on the surge.
The National Retail Federation in the US has suggested that it expects around 214 million Americans will shop for products as they prepare to party.
Simon Moran, PayPal UK’s strategic client services director, commented: “Fourth of July prompts a surge of American consumers shopping in store and online.
"It’s not only a major shopping event for US retailers, there’s also a ripple effect for online retailers here in the UK.
"Last year during this period, we saw a marked uplift in US consumers spending at British online fashion retailers. It’s driven by US consumers looking for British trends and collections only available at our online stores.”
Research from PayPal and Ipsos MORI shows that last year, 9.1 million American’s bought from UK online stores, making the US the UK’s second biggest online export market, as well as the British fashion being the most popular sector for American consumers with accessories, footwear and fashion being the best.
Moran added: "Three things are important to US consumers when they’re shopping internationally."
"Firstly, the ability to pay in US dollars – 29 per cent are more likely to make a purchase online in their local currency.
"Our research also tells us that the two most common reasons for overseas shoppers abandoning a purchase at the checkout are high shipping costs and lengthy delivery times.
"Getting these right can dramatically increase your appeal to your potential American customers.”
