Shopping

A fifth of Brits have apparently already started doing their Christmas shopping

It's all according to an interesting new consumer survey.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 17th October 2024

A new survey has revealed that a fifth of Brits have apparently already started doing their Christmas shopping this year.

As much as many of us find ourselves running around the shops like headless chickens on Christmas Eve in a bid to buy all those last-minute gifts we forgot, on the flip side of that, we all know a few organised people who like to get their presents bought and wrapped well in advance so they can enjoy a relatively stress-free festive season.

But is October just a bit too early to start? Apparently not for 21% of Brits

According to a new survey by American Express, a surprising number adults who celebrate or shop for Christmas in the UK have already started buying things for the festive period.

A fifth of Brits have apparently already started doing their Christmas shopping / Credit: Heidi Fin (via Unsplash)

The survey found that, when it comes to present inspiration, nearly half (47%) of Christmas shoppers will be getting gifting ideas from their loved ones themselves, while more than half (56%) of the Gen Z age group surveyed claiming they’ll be looking to social media ads, and influencers and content creators, for suggestions.

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There’s also varying responses when it comes to the type of presents people are planning to hand out this Christmas – with 87% of respondents saying will buy physical gifts, but 37% choosing to purchase experiences instead.

And it’s not just presents for others on the agenda either, as the research showed that almost a quarter (23%) are planning to get gifts for themselves too.

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It’s all according to an interesting new consumer survey / Credit: Lore Schodts (via Unsplash)

Of course though, while many people have already got a head-start on Christmas shopping this year, it seems there’s a good chunk who’ll still be leaving it late.

Four in 10 survey respondents admitted they will probably only finish their festive gift shopping with just one week to go before the big day, while one in 10 (10%) did reveal they will likely risk leaving it until the day before they give them out.

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“As we approach the festive period, it’s no surprise to see Brits getting prepared,” explained Dave Edwards, who is the Vice President of Demand Generation at American Express, “with more than 20% of respondents having already started their festive shopping.”

Featured Image – Freestocks (via Unsplash)

Shopping

Festive Grinch-themed cafes to pop up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Festive Grinch-themed cafes are popping up inside two of Primark’s biggest Greater Manchester stores in the run-up to Christmas.

As the temperatures turn colder by the day, the nights draw in, and the most wonderful time of the year nears closer and closer, it won’t be long before it’s time to snuggle up in our comfies and pop on the first Christmas film of the year – and for some of us, there’s a good chance that first film of choice will be The Grinch.

Whether you prefer the 2000 fantasy comedy starring Jim Carey, or the 2018 animated reboot with Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s undoubtedly a real family favourite.

To celebrate everyone’s favourite grumpy green grouch, Primark has teamed up with Dr. Seuss once again on a Grinch-tastic collaboration.

Festive Grinch-themed cafes have popped up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores / Credit: Supplied

Shoppers can now head to their nearest Primark store to find the largest-ever Grinch collection, with something for the whole family, as well as great gifting options said to be “ideal for getting into the anti-Christmas spirit”.

There’s Grinch pyjamas and slippers for both adults and kids, a Grinch ‘Onesie’ that’s sure to make people green with envy, Grinch drinks cups and mugs, a selection of loungewear and Christmas jumpers for festive dressing, and so much more, as well as whole host of Grinch-inspired outfits and toys for your four-legged friends too.

As part of Primark’s aim to offer affordable choices for everyone, prices for the Grinch collection start at just £1 for accessories, and go up to £24 for adult clothing.

If the return of the Grinch collection wasn’t exciting enough as it is, the all-new Grinch cafes – which are popping up in Primark on Market Street in Manchester city centre, as well as Primark in Trafford Palazzo – are bound to be hit with fans of the furry character.

There’s everything from green waffles and themed milkshakes, to festive toasties, hot drinks, and more on the menu.

With Greater Manchester Grinch cafes set to be open until the end of December, Sarah Jackson – who is the Director of Licensing at Primark, said: “We’re so excited to roll out our amazing cafe experience across a number of our UK locations, bringing a sprinkle of mischief to our customers this festive season.

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“Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet treat or stocking up on pyjamas and gifts for the whole family, we have everything you need to make it a truly unforgettable Grinch-mas.”

Featured Image – Supplied

Shopping

UK supermarkets urge public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

UK supermarkets are calling on the public for donations as foodbanks brace for a “tough Christmas”.

As the nights begin to draw in, the temperatures drop by the day, and the festive season nears closer, some shocking new research by Neighbourly shows that foodbanks are preparing for a tough Christmas – with 80% of foodbanks reporting an increase in demand, particularly from families with children, as well as the elderly.

Because of this, many foodbanks fear they will not have enough supplies to support their communities throughout the festive season.

On top of this, almost a third of foodbanks have reported difficulties in recruiting volunteers too.

With only a few weeks to go until Christmas is here, Aldi is among the UK supermarkets calling on its shoppers to help make a difference, by releasing a list of the most in-demand items for donation – with tinned food, festive treats, and breakfast cereals being near the top of the list.

UK supermarkets are urging the public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’ / Credit: Aldi UK

Other items on the list include tea and coffee, juices and soft drinks, rice and pasta, cooking sauces, condiments, UHT milk and more, as well as pet food and non food-related items like toiletries, cleaning products, and children’s toys.

Shoppers can donate items via the community donation points placed near exit points of Aldi stores nationwide, before they will then be distributed to good causes.

The supermarket is pledging to donate more than a million meals to local charities, community groups, and foodbanks across the UK.

“Christmas is always an extremely busy period for foodbanks and other charitable organisations helping those most in need,” explained Luke Emery, who is the National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK.

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“We know many of our customers like to support local causes by using our in-store donation points, so we hope this list of items will help shoppers to pick the items that are most needed over the festive period.”

Featured Image – Aldi UK

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