John Lewis, a beloved UK retailer, recently delved into the realm of Christmas shopping trends with a survey that unearthed some intriguing findings. The shift in shopping habits towards early Christmas shopping was a standout discovery. A whopping 60% of individuals are planning to wrap up their Christmas shopping by the end of November, signaling a departure from the chaotic last-minute frenzy typically associated with the season.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of John Lewis, painted a vivid picture of changing consumer behaviors. A mere 8% of respondents are holding off on their shopping until the week before Christmas, with less than 2% braving the stores on Christmas Eve. While this transition towards early shopping is palpable, its long-term ramifications are still shrouded in uncertainty.
When it comes to gift shopping, an impressive third of survey takers revealed their plans for an earlier start this year, with a staggering 74% of that cohort already actively scouring for presents. John Lewis has observed a notable uptick in sales within its Christmas shop, boasting a 63% increase from the previous year. The virtual Christmas shop has also garnered significant attention, particularly evident in the 48% surge in advent calendar sales.
The underlying motivation behind this shift towards early shopping seems to stem from a desire to alleviate the financial burden of gift-giving. Many individuals are opting for a personalized touch by crafting homemade gifts, a sentiment echoed by nearly a third of participants in the survey. This trend has translated into an uptick in haberdashery sales by 30%, craft kit sales by 85%, and Christmas stocking sales by 45% at John Lewis.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, the UK populace remains steadfast in their commitment to embracing the festive spirit. A considerable portion of shoppers have already embarked on their Christmas shopping journeys, with more planning to do so in the upcoming weeks. Beyond gift shopping, individuals are also gearing up to deck their homes with merry decorations and twinkling lights, spreading joy both indoors and outdoors.
In a heartening display of solidarity, close to a quarter of survey respondents expressed their intentions to extend a kind gesture to their neighbors or local community members through gift-giving. This outpouring of generosity underscores the prevailing spirit of goodwill during these trying times. Moreover, sales of gift cards and vouchers have witnessed a substantial surge, particularly prominent in the realm of online shopping with an 80% increase.
In essence, the forthcoming Christmas season is poised to be a memorable one, marked by early shopping, heartfelt homemade gifts, and acts of kindness towards others. John Lewis’s survey offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of consumer preferences during the holiday season, signaling a shift towards more intentional and meaningful celebrations.
For more information on Christmas shopping trends, visit John Lewis.
To explore unique gift ideas for the holiday season, check out John Lewis’ Gift Section.
