Gatwick, Buy early and buy in bulk – Christmas shopping strategies for this year

Financial considerations prompt Brits to adapt their approach to seasonal spend

• Festive fast movers: 49% have already started stocking up on Christmas presents
• Bulk benefits: 33% of Brits buy the same present for more than one person
• Christmas cut backs: 30% will spend less on gifts in 2012 while 16% are only buying for kids this year

2012-11-13 — /travelprnews.com/ — Despite reports that early December marks a peak in Christmas shopping, the vast majority of Brits (61%) are getting a far earlier start on their gift lists, primarily motivated by the need to spread the cost of Christmas (52%). Research released today from Gatwick Airport reveals that almost half (49%) have already banked some bargains – of which almost a quarter (23%) started their festive shopping in the first half of the year, some (11%) as early as January.

The research, which looks at this season’s shopping trends, found that more than half (54%) are anticipating that this Christmas will be tough financially and are looking for practical ways to tackle it without too much sacrifice. Overall, a third (30%) of people are planning to spend less than in previous years and the average estimated spend per person on presents totals £386.

Present purchasing strategies include buying in bulk to benefit from economies of cost and ease. A third (33%) of Brits are planning to gift the same present to multiple people – of which chocolates (46%), wine (37%), biscuits (23%) and perfume/aftershave (22%) top the list. 16% of people are adopting a ‘kids only’ present policy this year while a third (31%) admit to sticking to a maximum spend rule. 36% believe these kinds of limits are sensible, preventing spend for the sake of it and 30% believe they are imperative to stopping the cost of Christmas from spiralling out of control.

Christmas shopping can prove costly in terms of sanity as well as spend. Almost two thirds (64%) find the seasonal shopping experience stressful and 60% actively seek to avoid the high street during the pre-Christmas period. Women in particular find Christmas shopping stressful (72% versus 57% of men) and are more likely to start gathering gifts earlier (70% versus 52%).

Spencer Sheen, Head of Retail at Gatwick Airport says: “It’s good to see that people are taking a more planned approach to Christmas as clever buying can definitely help reduce the overall cost. Those flying pre-Christmas should consider stocking up on smaller gifts like chocolates, wine and perfume at the airport so they can benefit from tax-free savings. Likewise on luxury items there are plenty of exclusive offers and discounts to be had at Gatwick.

“Plus, contrary to popular opinion, those buying in bulk don’t have to worry about exceeding their luggage limit so long as they don’t need their treats on their travels; Gatwick’s ‘Shop and Drop’ service allows people to buy as much as they like and we simply store the bags until they pick them up on their return.”

Christmas Wrapped up at Gatwick

Gatwick’s Shop and Drop service gives passengers free rein to shop to their hearts’ content without the worry of overloading their holiday luggage. You simply hand over your shopping bags which are then stored securely for pick up on return. It is available at all airport stores and is a free service for all passengers flying to the EU (including flights within the UK).

Notes to Editors