Payments data from Checkout.com shows Singles’ Day lifted online spend in the UK, with general retail spend up 31%, clothing up 23% and food and drink up 37% against the previous Tuesday. CEE was the strongest region outside Asia-Pacific, with Poland up 36% and Croatia 30%. Checkout.com’s Rory O’Neill said Singles’ Day was the first real test of the peak season, with fashion, department stores and general retail where shoppers are ready to spend. (Home of Direct Commerce)