Christmas cheer is back, with six in 10 Brits feeling optimistic, happy and excited ahead of this year’s festivities, a 50 per cent increase on the same sentiment last year. This uplift in Christmas cheer has seen almost two-thirds of Brits beginning to fill their shopping baskets – with one in five starting earlier than last year.
The new research carried out by the Post Office on the nation’s shopping habits shows that four in 10 Brits want to be more organised this festive period, with 30 per cent wanting to make this Christmas extra special.
Brits are also more than twice as likely to enjoy Christmas shopping than find it stressful with a quarter of Brits planning to spend more on close family due to the lifting of Covid restrictions – whilst 82 per cent want to buy presents for friends and family earlier than last year so they can give them in person.
Yet, the return of Christmas cheer is not the only factor for the nation’s preparedness for this year’s festivities with 40 per cent of Brits shopping early due to concern over shortages, delays and long queues.
A quarter of Brits are worried that they will be seen to be not making an effort if Christmas gifts don’t arrive on time – and one in 10 worry they may have to explain to their children why Santa didn’t bring gifts!
According to the Post Office research, the increase of online shopping looks set to continue, with four in 10 planning to buy mostly online, with 82 per cent of online sellers either expecting or experiencing earlier Christmas purchasing this year. To prepare for this, there has been a 56 per cent increase in stock levels, 45 per cent increase in staff and 29 per cent uplift in earlier dispatching.
However, research findings also suggest an instore resurgence with one in three saying they are more likely to shop on their local high-street this festive period compared to last year.
Kristian Latham, Head of Letters and Parcels at Post Office said: “Christmas is the busiest time of the year at our branches, so it’s reassuring to hear from our Postmasters that customers are shopping and posting early. Our postmasters are always available to help guide customers during the busy festive period – but there are some simple steps everyone can take to make local branch trips quicker and easier.”
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