Lolly & the ivy
RecordXmas shopping spree to land £84.7bn Boost defies prices hike and gloomy outlook
SHOPPERS are expected to go on a record £84.7billion retail blitz this Christmas despite rising prices and a gloomy outlook.
The blowout is set to be 6.3% higher than last year’s £79.7bn splurge when Covid restrictions hit festivities.
The Shopping for Christmas 2021 report revealed sales would smash prepandemic spending of £83.13bn in 2019 as families make up for a lost year.
And it predicts tills will be ringing for a beleaguered high street as purchases increase by 6.3%.
Londoners will lead the bonanza, spending an average of £1,668 per head, followed by the South East with £1,382 and the East of England on £1,262.
The average UK outlay of £1,275 will be up by £76 compared with last year. Some £12.44bn will go on gifts, a 6% rise year-on-year, with gadgets, toys and clothing top of wish lists.
Anita Naik, of VoucherCodes.co.uk, which carried out the report, said: “It feels like Christmas is beginning earlier than ever and excitement is in the air.
“Our report reveals 66% want to make this Christmas feel more special than last year’s.
“And 42% plan to spend more on Christmas gifts to make that happen despite budgets being squeezed as energy prices and the cost of living continue to rise.
“This, in addition to recent product shortages causing the price of goods to shoot up, is likely to mean a costly Christmas for families planning to push the boat out.
“Our report reveals that shoppers anticipate relying on credit to fund more of their Christmas shopping than before.”
It comes as John Lewis revealed Britons were shopping earlier, with searches for Christmas goods up 50% compared with this time last year.
It was sold out of adultsized Christmas jumpers featuring in its festive advert within an hour.
Yesterday people were already getting into the festive spirit as they hit shops early.
Teacher Katie Joyce, 42, from Eltham, South East London, had to cancel a get-together last year and is planning a big party to make up for it.
She said: “I had Covid last Christmas so it was a bit of an anti-climax.”
Local shopper Sharon Read, 50, said her family faced heartbreak last year when her father-in-law died of Covid-19 and her parents became infected.
She said: “It was tough as we couldn’t mix with people. That is why we are going to make it really special this year.”
Lifestyle coach Flo Lee, 29, from Eltham, is planning for a big celebration with 15 expected at the festive table.
She said: “Well fingers crossed I am unless Boris botches it up again and calls a lockdown.”
It feels like Christmas is beginning earlier and excitement is in the air
ANITA NAIK ON THE GOOD NEWS FOR RETAILERS