Have you done your Christmas shopping yet?
Despite reports that early December marks a peak in Christmas shopping, the vast majority of Brits are getting a far earlier start on their gift lists, primarily motivated by the need to spread the cost of Christmas.
Research released from Gatwick Airport reveals that almost half have already banked some bargains – of which almost a quarter started their festive shopping in the first half of the year, some as early as January.
The research, which looks at this season’s shopping trends, found that more than half are anticipating that this Christmas will be tough financially and are looking for practical ways to tackle it without too much sacrifice. Overall, a third of people are planning to spend less than in previous years and the average estimated spend per person on presents totals £386.
Present purchasing strategies include buying in bulk to benefit from economies of cost and ease. A third of Brits are planning to gift the same present to multiple people – of which chocolates, wine, biscuits and perfume/aftershave top the list.
Spencer Sheen, Head of Retail at Gatwick Airport says: “It’s good to see that people are taking a more planned approach to Christmas as clever buying can definitely help reduce the overall cost. Those flying pre-Christmas should consider stocking up on smaller gifts like chocolates, wine and perfume at the airport so they can benefit from tax-free savings."
16% of people are adopting a ‘kids only’ present policy this year while a third admit to sticking to a maximum spend rule. 36% believe these kinds of limits are sensible, preventing spend for the sake of it and 30% believe they are imperative to stopping the cost of Christmas from spiralling out of control.
Christmas shopping can prove costly in terms of sanity as well as spend. Almost two thirds find the seasonal shopping experience stressful and 60% actively seek to avoid the high street during the pre-Christmas period. Women in particular find Christmas shopping stressful (72% versus 57% of men) and are more likely to start gathering gifts earlier (70% versus 52%).