Brits Breathe a New Life into the Holiday Season
It’s not the quick bite of mince pies that’s driving the market this year – it’s the buck-to-the-barn way Brits are shuffling cash into Christmas shops. Spending is expected to hit a whopping £88.29bn. Once a weak year, the festive haul is revving up, spurred by both higher prices and happier wallets.
How the Numbers Look
- +4% sales jump. According to VoucherCodes.co.uk’s Shopping for Christmas Report 2024, gift buying, eating out, and holiday travel are all feeling the push.
- +1.4% sales volume. That’s a win for shoppers with more dough and for retailers pitching the next big item.
- Despite inflation, the UK outshines the rest of Europe – a sparkling contrast to the temperate trends out there.
When the Rest of Europe Takes a Breather
The UK is the headline act, but check out the rest of the European stage:
- France & Italy. Forecast led‑down by 1.1% and 1.3%—they’re taking a chill pill.
- Spain & Netherlands. Flat out, almost, with a 0.1% drop for each.
So, while the Eur‑market is on a budgeting binge, the Brits are refilling their pans and wallets, proving that a good Christmas spread is worth the splurge. Happy shopping, and stay merry!
Spending by category
Christmas Spending 2023: A Quick Rundown
Gifts – The Big Cheese
- Overall spend tops out at £11.35 bn – a modest +0.8% gain from last year’s £11.25 bn.
- Expect the usual gift‑shop hustle, from toys to tech, all pushing sales a tad higher.
Travel – Up the Holiday Ladder
- Way outshine gifts with the biggest jump: +6.4% in travel spend.
- Ticket sales climb from £2.18 bn to £2.32 bn, as people book flights and train passes for family get‑together.
Food & Drink – A Tasty Surge
- Consumers are stuffing their diets and glasses with fresh treats; sales hit £8.07 bn.
- That’s a healthy +5.1% jump over the previous year.
Decorations – A Sliver of Dust
- Only one category wobbles: decorations dip 4.3%, down from £0.66 bn to £0.63 bn.
- Seems folks opted to splurge on the real celebration – family and food – instead of fairy lights.
Online vs. offline spend
Retailers Take a Holiday Ride‑Through: 2025 Marketers Must Deal in Deals
This year’s sales forecast is a double‑headed ship, cruising toward a £55.81 bn haul in traditional brick‑and‑mortar outlets (+3.4%) and a buzzing online raft pulling in £32.48 bn (+5.1%).
What’s the Deal for Different Shoppers?
- Gifts? Online wins the convenience breadwinner race.
- Food and drinks? The in‑store table still holds top table.
Phone‑First Shopping: The Smartphone Beats Desktop
Smartphones are stepping up their game. For the second year in a row, £13.51 bn of sales will happen on your phone, outpacing the £12.24 bn from desktops.
Why? Brands are flooding our screens with slick apps and eye‑catching Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook promos that make buying a tap‑away‑away event. It feels easier to cross off a wish‑list while waiting for your coffee to brew!
Quote from the Big Boss
Michael Brandy, Senior Commercial Director at VoucherCodes.co.uk, says:
“It’s going to be a Merry Christmas for retailers—almost every thing on the shelf is expected to receive a lift around the holiday. Customers,
finally, have the cash to splurge and celebrate with their crew.“But they’re still practicing the art of stretching their dollars. After the lockdown cost‑of‑living tantrum, shoppers are savvy as a
squirrel on a nut hunt, ducking
when a deal glistens. To get them to spend, retailers need honest value; shuffle that discount shuffle and watch wallets open.”
So What You Need to Do
- Offer genuine value—the price tag should signal real worth.
- Roll in clever discounts—because a shiny coupon can make a shopper smile.
- Keep mobile apps fresh—a user‑friendly interface sells faster.
Remember, the 2025 holiday season is about making the biggest jingles in people’s hearts, and it starts with a friendly, savvy deal. Good luck, retailers—may your sales sparkle like a December snowfall!
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