Shoppers have been advised not to leave their festive shopping until Christmas Eve this year to avoid disappointment. There are fears that because it falls on a Sunday, and discounting will begin early, that shoppers may not be able to complete transactions on the day.
Larger branches of Sainsbury’s will be closing at 5pm and Tesco shops at 4pm. Unlike a typical Christmas Eve, shops won’t be open until 6PM. That said, few people do leave major purchases until that late. Some may be buying a few extra items or making impulse purchases whilst trying to get a bit of the Christmas spirit. But surely the bulk of the heavy lifting is complete?
Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the Centre for Retail Research, said: “The week leading up to Christmas will be the busiest shopping week of the year so far. It will beat the Black Friday and Cyber Monday week, which is about buying for yourself. This time of December is about buying for others.”
“There is a lot of competition for custom and retailers are under pressure, so prices are being cut to the bone, especially by clothing retailers. People have been out shopping like mad this weekend, with heavy footfall and full car parks at retail centres.”
The advice is clear for High Street shopping on Christmas Eve. Get out there early and get your gifts and things. Don’t linger in the boozer at lunchtime and leave it until the last minute or the wrath of your presentless loved ones will be tangible.
Amazon Prime Now customers in various parts of the country can still order online up until noon on Christmas Eve and get delivery some time that day. Will you be leaving any of your shopping until Christmas Eve?
