The findings of a survey from VoucherCodes.co.uk, carried out by the Centre for Retail Research, have revealed that some 18% of Britons have shopped early for Christmas this year, tucking away the majority of their gifts by the end of October.
Interestingly, this represents a much higher proportion than in other countries in Europe – to include Germany (10%); France (4%), Italy (4%) and Spain (4%) – putting the UK on a par with the USA and Canada.
“Savvy shoppers seem to be planning ahead, taking advantage of flash sales and the wealth of different ways to save, including discount sites and vouchers,” says Jimmy New, director of marketing at VoucherCodes.co.uk
According to the company, the popularity of November events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also behind Christmas coming early, with a third of Britons starting their shopping this month.
Meanwhile, some 11% of Brits began their Christmas shopping in September or earlier, with two in five leaving it until December.
Top: Savvy shoppers have been spreading the cost of Christmas by buying gifts as early as September.
