As the festive season fast approaches, UK retailers are gearing up for the golden quarter, the final three months of the year that can make or break annual sales targets.
With shoppers actively seeking more accessible ways to fund their purchases, offering retail finance could be the key to unlocking bigger baskets and stronger conversions.
At V12 Retail Finance, we're experts at helping businesses grow by making their products and services more accessible to customers through retail finance solutions.
In this blog, we discuss how retail finance can help boost your sales this festive season.
Why Retail Finance matters this Christmas
The cost of living continues to challenge consumer confidence, but the desire to celebrate remains strong. Many shoppers are seeking ways to spread the cost of gifts, home improvements, and seasonal essentials. Retail finance gives people the freedom to:
Choose higher-value itemsAdd more to their basketShop earlier and with greater confidence
Whether it's upgrading to a premium product or adding accessories to a main purchase, offering spreadable finance helps customers buy what they truly want, without any upfront pressure.
Make finance work hard for your business
Retail finance isn't just a checkout feature; it's an accessibility tool designed to help more customers comfortably purchase your products and services. When promoted, it can:
Increase average order valueImprove conversion ratesReduce basket abandonment
As a V12 Retail Finance partner, we'll support you with fast onboarding, staff training, a Relationship Manager who cares about your business as much as you do, and subject matter experts who can offer guidance of everything from promotional assets to strategy, as well as performance analysis to help you maximise your impact.
Why now is the time to act
According to recent retail insights, UK festive retail spending in 2025 is forecast to reach £91.12 billion, marking a 3.2% year-on-year increase despite ongoing inflation and cost-of-living concerns. This figure covers the six-week festive period from mid-November to the end of December, which aligns with the heart of the Golden Quarter. But with inflation still affecting household budgets, many are turning to finance to make Christmas more manageable.
It goes beyond just assisting customers during a cost-of-living crisis; you're also helping your business:
Stand out from inaccessible competitorsAttract budget-conscious shoppersBuild loyalty through accessible payment options
72% of our customers said they would not have made their purchase if our finance was not available*. V12 Retail Finance is here to help your customers access your products and services.
Why choose V12 Retail Finance
At V12, we're more than a finance provider, we're a growth partner.
With the heritage and backing of Secure Trust Bank Group firmly behind us, partners can expect water-tight regulatory best practice and emphasis on putting your customers first.
Here's why retailers have put their trust in us for years:
1. Sector expertise
We're proud to support leading brands across key sectors including:
ElectricalFurnitureJewellery & WatchesHome improvement MusicLeisure & Lifestyle
Our deep sector knowledge means we understand your customers and their challenges, and we will always proactively innovate our approach to bring retail finance to maximise impact in your sector.
2. Seamless integration and account management
Our retail finance solutions integrate smoothly with your existing systems, whether online or in-store.
We create our systems in-house to offer bespoke solutions with an exceptional onboarding service.
Our experts will support you; we don't just set you up and walk away. Our dedicated account managers will become your voice at V12. We're with you every step of the way, and you can be sure we'll take care of your customers in the same way
3. Consumer focused finance options
From interest-free credit to longer-term plans, we offer a range of products to suit your business and your customers.
0% interest free finance: allows customers to make purchases without incurring interest charges. Typically, from 3-60 months. Available on purchases from £100-£50,000Interest bearing finance: Your customer makes a purchase and pays back the amount borrowed, plus interest. Typically, 12-120 months. Available on purchases from £250-£50,000. APRs from 4.9%. Buy now pay later (BNPL): A deferred payment credit option. Pay back terms up to 60 months. Available on purchases from £250-£15,000. APRs from 9.9%. Customers don't have to begin repayments for 6,9 or 12 months.
4. FCA authorised and trusted
As part of the Secure Trust Bank Group, we're backed by decades of financial expertise. Our reputation is built on transparency, compliance and customer-first service.
Secure Trust Bank PLC (who is the lender) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Don't take our word for it
We pride ourselves on our retail partnerships, and we couldn't be happier to hear incredible feedback from our partners.
Are you ready to offer Retail Finance?
To offer interest bearing credit or finance terms longer than 12 months, you will need to hold Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorisation.
If you don't have FCA authorisation you can still offer under 12 months interest free finance.
To become one of our retail partners you will need:
• A minimum of £1,500,000 annual sales turnover.
• A minimum trading history of 24 months (and be able to supply audited accounts).
• Be in a profitable trading position.
• Require business to consumer finance (not business to business finance).
• A UK company registration number.
Need more information? Contact us for clarity.
Ready to boost your basket size this golden quarter?
Partner with V12 Retail Finance and give your customers the freedom to shop with confidence.
New to retail finance? Here's what you need to know
Ready for retail finance? Get in touch today
Contact us to see how we can help you grow
*V12 Retail Finance customer survey, December 2023. 1100 responses.
FAQs
1. What is retail finance?
Retail finance allows customers to spread the cost of purchases over time through manageable monthly payments. It's offered at point of sale and can include interest-free or interest-bearing options.
2. How can V12 Retail Finance benefit my business?
Retail finance can increase average order value, improve conversion rates, and attract customers who might otherwise walk away due to upfront costs.
3. Are V12 Retail Finance safe and regulated?
Yes. V12 Retail Finance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We work with retailers to ensure compliance and responsible lending.
4. What sectors does V12 Retail Finance support?
We work with retailers across furniture, jewellery, home improvement, tech, leisure and more. Our solutions are tailored to your industry.
Take a look at our speciality sectors.
5. How quickly can I get started?
Once approved, onboarding is fast and straightforward. Our team will guide you through setup, training and launch.
6. Can I offer finance both online and in-store?
Absolutely. Our solutions are designed to work across multiple channels, giving your customers accessibility wherever they shop.