48 per cent of shoppers buy gifts in September to spread the cost of Christmas
The impact of the credit crunch is still riding high according to ASDA’s Pulse of the Nation Survey.
Almost half of Asda shoppers are already buying Christmas gifts, with 75 per cent claiming that it’s to lighten the financial burden of Christmas and spread the festive costs. A third of shoppers are also planning to spend considerably less than last year, with 80 per cent of those hoping to spend up to £250 less this year. According to reports, the average spend on just Christmas presents in 2008 was £320 per person, meaning consumers are planning to make considerable cut backs this year.
Jennifer England from Asda said: “With only three more pay days until Christmas, many of our customers have started their festive shopping earlier than ever in a bid to spread the costs this year. People might think we’re crazy for selling gifts already, but our customers are telling us it’s what they want so we’re doing all we can to help them.” She added: “By spreading the cost of Christmas and buying gifts early, our customers are making sure that they can have a Christmas to remember whilst avoiding any last minute credit card splurges that will leave them paying off the bill well into 2010.”
