Last-minute Christmas shopping takes a dive as buyers feel the squeeze
Trending News
2 weeks ago

Last-minute Christmas shopping takes a dive as buyers feel the squeeze

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Last-minute Christmas shopping saw a downturn this year as high street activity on 23 December dropped from the same day in 2023, new figures show. open image in gallery Shoppers in Eldon Square shopping centre in Newcastle MRI Software’s recent Consumer Pulse report found 51 per cent of consumers were concerned about the rising cost of living over the next six months, driven by higher energy and housing costs during the winter. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, said: “While many are taking to the shops ahead of Christmas Day, this may well be the last splurge before a big spending freeze sets in in the new year for consumers, meaning that retailers should be taking heed of these trends to plan accordingly for a challenging start to 2025.” Separate figures have also suggested that 2024’s festive period has hit retailers hard, as footfall over the full final week before Christmas drops by 11.4 per cent. open image in gallery London’s Oxford Street on Christmas Eve BRC-Opinium figures suggest public confidence in the economy fell eight points to minus 27 in December, while spending intentions dropped six points, with expectations of spending falling in nearly every retail category.

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History of this topic

Drop in Boxing Day sales footfall as Brits opt to spend their money online
1 week, 5 days ago

Drop in Boxing Day sales footfall as Brits opt to spend their money online

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Analysis of popular shopping areas on Thursday showed footfall was down 10.6 per cent …

Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices
Trending News
1 week, 5 days ago

Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices

Associated Press  

Sales rose this year during the holiday shopping season even as Americans wrestled with elevated prices for many groceries and other necessities, according to new data. Holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, outpacing the 3.1% increase from a year earlier, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit …

Britons shun high streets with number of shoppers in city centres down compared to last year's pre-Christmas rush as cost of living continues to bite
2 weeks ago

Britons shun high streets with number of shoppers in city centres down compared to last year's pre-Christmas rush as cost of living continues to bite

Daily Mail  

High street footfall was down in city centres compared to last year's pre-Christmas rush as cost-of-living pressures continued for many households, according to the latest figures. Retailers had hoped for a long-awaited sales bonanza on Monday - expected to be this year's peak Christmas shopping day - and footfall surged by 28.5 per cent across all UK retail destinations compared …

Peak Christmas high street footfall down 5.3% – survey
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Peak Christmas high street footfall down 5.3% – survey

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy High street footfall was 5.3% …

Supermarket Christmas chaos as online orders are cancelled, home deliveries are late and furious customers are unable to use discounts on food shops
Trending News
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Supermarket Christmas chaos as online orders are cancelled, home deliveries are late and furious customers are unable to use discounts on food shops

Daily Mail  

Morrisons has triggered Christmas chaos after cancelling home deliveries and festive shops for scores of Britons, leaving families furious. The shopping chain said its More rewards card is facing difficulties, with customers unable to get discounts on their food shops. Morrisons customers are facing chaos after the retailer for forced to cancel their shopping orders just two days before Christmas …

Labour's economic nightmare before Christmas as shoppers close their wallets: Retailers blame the Budget as sales fall for the third month in a row while families wait for bargains
2 weeks, 5 days ago

Labour's economic nightmare before Christmas as shoppers close their wallets: Retailers blame the Budget as sales fall for the third month in a row while families wait for bargains

Daily Mail  

Labour's Budget is being blamed for a sluggish Christmas shopping period as shops struggle to get hard-pressed families to part with their cash. Food sales underpinned a 0.2 per cent rise in business, lower than the 0.5 per cent rebound forecast by economist, after retail sales fell 0.5 per cent in October. British retailers returned to growth last month, up …

European consumers show restraint as Christmas shopping season kicks off
1 month ago

European consumers show restraint as Christmas shopping season kicks off

China Daily  

A woman chooses holiday decorations at a Christmas market at the Old Town Square in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Nov 30, 2024. VALLETTA - As Black Friday ushers in the 2024 Christmas shopping season, consumers across Europe are spending cautiously on holiday gifts, amid a sluggish economic recovery and declining consumer confidence. In Germany, consumer confidence is projected to …

European consumers show restraint as Christmas shopping season kicks off
1 month ago

European consumers show restraint as Christmas shopping season kicks off

China Daily  

A woman chooses holiday decorations at a Christmas market at the Old Town Square in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Nov 30, 2024. VALLETTA - As Black Friday ushers in the 2024 Christmas shopping season, consumers across Europe are spending cautiously on holiday gifts, amid a sluggish economic recovery and declining consumer confidence. In Germany, consumer confidence is projected to …

Retail 'golden quarter' under pressure as sales disappoint again in November
1 month ago

Retail 'golden quarter' under pressure as sales disappoint again in November

Daily Mail  

Retailers faced lacklustre sales again in November as weak consumer confidence continues to weigh on the sector's 'golden quarter'. Non-food online shopping sales figures slumped by 10.3 per cent year-on-year in November, new data from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG Retail Sales Monitor shows. Total retail sales fell by 3.3 per cent year-on-year in November, against growth of 2.6 …

Is Black Friday still a holiday shopping juggernaut in 2024?
1 month, 1 week ago

Is Black Friday still a holiday shopping juggernaut in 2024?

Hindustan Times  

NEW YORK — After weeks of pushing early deals, retailers in the United States and some other countries tried to seduce customers with promises of bigger discounts on Black Friday, the sales event that still reigns as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season even if it's lost some luster. Enough consumers enjoy holiday shopping in person that Black …

Price warning as 17-month run of falling shop inflation ends
1 month, 1 week ago

Price warning as 17-month run of falling shop inflation ends

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A 17-month-long run of falling shop inflation has ended, with …

‘If you mark it down, they will come.’ What to expect from retailers this holiday season
1 month, 1 week ago

‘If you mark it down, they will come.’ What to expect from retailers this holiday season

CNN  

CNN — Santa’s checking his list, elves in tow, as a model sailboat and selection of beach tees hang on the wall behind him. “The consumer has got firepower and is able to out and spend, so it’s not going to be a miserable holiday by any standards,” said Neil Saunders, retail analyst and managing director at GlobalData Retail. Bing …

US consumers to bargain hunt in annual 'Black Friday' spree
1 month, 2 weeks ago

US consumers to bargain hunt in annual 'Black Friday' spree

Deccan Chronicle  

NEW YORK: US shoppers are coming out in force this holiday season, but the festiveness is being tempered by inflationary pressures that have abated but not completely faded. Americans are "ready to open their wallets this holiday season," said the Conference Board ahead of Black Friday -- the day after Thanksgiving, which this year, falls on November 28 -- that …

A fifth of UK adults have already started Christmas shopping – but how much are they spending?
3 months, 1 week ago

A fifth of UK adults have already started Christmas shopping – but how much are they spending?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The colder weather has only just started to set …

Ongoing sales have boosted spending during a cost-of-living crisis. Will shoppers pay the price with an interest rate rise?
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Ongoing sales have boosted spending during a cost-of-living crisis. Will shoppers pay the price with an interest rate rise?

ABC  

Australia's struggling retail sector has been given a glimmer of hope, with rolling sales encouraging shoppers to spend — but economists warn that it may come with the price of another interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank. The recent jump in retail spending, boosted by clothing and footwear retailers offering big discounts and earlier-than-usual sales seasons, has increased expectations …

Baby Reindeer success comes amid jump in subscription spending – Barclays
8 months ago

Baby Reindeer success comes amid jump in subscription spending – Barclays

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. New TV shows such as Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, the …

Grocery price inflation slowdown stumbles as supermarkets offer fewer deals
11 months, 1 week ago

Grocery price inflation slowdown stumbles as supermarkets offer fewer deals

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Grocery prices were 6.8% more expensive than a year …

Retail sales up strongly in December as Americans showed continued willingness to spend
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Retail sales up strongly in December as Americans showed continued willingness to spend

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans stepped up their spending at retailers in December, closing out the holiday shopping season and the year on an upbeat tone and signaling that people remain confident enough to keep spending freely. Higher energy and housing prices boosted overall U.S. inflation in December, a sign that the Federal Reserve’s drive to slow inflation to its 2% …

Grocery inflation sees fastest monthly drop as households spend all-time high
1 year ago

Grocery inflation sees fastest monthly drop as households spend all-time high

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Supermarket inflation has seen its …

Holiday spending is up. Shoppers are confident, but not giddy
1 year ago

Holiday spending is up. Shoppers are confident, but not giddy

NPR  

Holiday spending is up. Shoppers are confident, but not giddy Enlarge this image toggle caption Brandon Bell/Getty Images Brandon Bell/Getty Images Retail spending in the 2023 holiday season rose just over 3% year-over-year, marking a return to pre-pandemic consumer spending trends even as credit card debt is on the rise and federal student loan payments have kicked back in. Sponsor …

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite financial anxiety, higher costs
1 year ago

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite financial anxiety, higher costs

LA Times  

Holiday sales rose in 2023 even as shoppers deal with still stubborn inflation in some areas as well as other financial worries, according to one measure. Holiday sales rose this year and spending remained resilient during the shopping season even with Americans wrestling with higher prices in some areas and other financial worries, according to one closely watched measure. This …

Still haven't bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you
1 year ago

Still haven't bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I think this is a more challenging year than …

Still haven’t bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you
1 year ago

Still haven’t bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you

LA Times  

Super Saturday is expected to be the second busiest day of the holiday period after Black Friday. That’s lower than last year’s 5.4% growth but more consistent with typical holiday spending, which rose 3.6% between 2010 and 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic skewered numbers. Adobe Analytics expects U.S. online holiday sales to rise 4.8% from last year between November and …

Cutting corners could see Christmas bargain hunters being scammed, warns bank
1 year ago

Cutting corners could see Christmas bargain hunters being scammed, warns bank

The Independent  

Sign up to our free money newsletter for investment analysis and expert advice to help you build wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The average …

Black Friday deals this year did not get American customers to shop much
1 year, 1 month ago

Black Friday deals this year did not get American customers to shop much

Live Mint  

It’s not just you. Walmart chief financial officer John David Rainey told investors in an earnings call earlier this month that the company saw a “sharper falloff" in consumer spending toward the end of October. That caution echoed throughout recent earnings reports from retailers ranging from Lowe’s Inc. to Target Corp. Consumers continued to spend this weekend, but they weren’t …

Retailers are ready to kick off Black Friday just as shoppers pull back on spending
1 year, 1 month ago

Retailers are ready to kick off Black Friday just as shoppers pull back on spending

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Retailers are kicking off the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season on Friday with a bevy of discounts and other enticements. “I don’t think is going to be some horrible business nor is it going to be some kind of explosive holiday season.” The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, expects shoppers will …

Retailers expecting 'record' Black Friday sales, but Westpac warns of 'penny-pinching' Christmas
1 year, 1 month ago

Retailers expecting 'record' Black Friday sales, but Westpac warns of 'penny-pinching' Christmas

ABC  

Despite high levels of pessimism among Australian consumers, David Wall has noticed a lot of people are buying board games and puzzles at his toy stores ahead of the Black Friday sales. "While we expect overall Christmas trading will be subdued, we're expecting this by Friday to be a record simply because people are shopping on a budget, and they're …

Behind Black Friday’s crowds lie stories of consumers squeezed by inflation
1 year, 1 month ago

Behind Black Friday’s crowds lie stories of consumers squeezed by inflation

LA Times  

Months of punishing inflation have pushed East Hollywood resident Diane Roque to economize by canceling her family’s cable subscription and prioritizing cooking at home. “Now it’s very online-focused, and we’re really looking to see the online velocity surge on the major days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday,” said Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights. “They’re stretching out …

Roll your eyes, but Black Friday's still got it. So here's what to look for
1 year, 1 month ago

Roll your eyes, but Black Friday's still got it. So here's what to look for

NPR  

Roll your eyes, but Black Friday's still got it. But nearly 1 in 5 Americans still plan to do "most of their shopping" on Black Friday, according to a survey by the accounting and consulting firm PwC. And in a throwback to analog times, half of these shoppers actually said they planned to chase doorbusters, telling a Deloitte survey that …

Fears of rising energy bills and a costly Christmas lead consumers to cut back
1 year, 2 months ago

Fears of rising energy bills and a costly Christmas lead consumers to cut back

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Fears of rising energy bills and a particularly expensive Christmas …

Shoppers’ holiday spending is expected to top $957 billion, a record amount
1 year, 2 months ago

Shoppers’ holiday spending is expected to top $957 billion, a record amount

LA Times  

Customers shop at a Nathan & Co. store in Oakland in 2022. This year’s holiday spending is expected to beat last year’s record spending of $929.5 billion. The National Retail Federation, an industry trade group, said holiday spending is forecast to reach record levels this year — up 3% to 4% from last year. Business Despite higher prices, American shoppers …

Three in 10 people have already started Christmas shopping – survey
1 year, 3 months ago

Three in 10 people have already started Christmas shopping – survey

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Three in 10 adults who …

Retail sales dip 0.4% in February after buying burst in Jan.
1 year, 9 months ago

Retail sales dip 0.4% in February after buying burst in Jan.

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — America’s consumers trimmed their spending in February after a buying burst in January, underscoring the volatility of the economic environment. Still, it remains to be seen whether news coverage of bank failures and stock market gyrations will hurt consumer sentiment this month, writes Capital Economics’ Deputy Chief U.S Economist Andrew Hunter in a report issued Wednesday. The …

The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled
1 year, 9 months ago

The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled

NPR  

The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled Enlarge this image toggle caption Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images An unexpected spending spree by U.S. shoppers seems to have calmed. Sponsor Message Inflation has been moderating since peaking last summer, but consumer prices in February were still 6% higher than a year ago, data showed …

Retailers suffer disappointing January as consumers brace for more bill rises
1 year, 11 months ago

Retailers suffer disappointing January as consumers brace for more bill rises

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Many retailers discounted heavily to entice consumer spend, and while there were bargains to …

Australian retailers had a worse-than-expected Christmas as cost of living pressures bite
1 year, 11 months ago

Australian retailers had a worse-than-expected Christmas as cost of living pressures bite

ABC  

There are clearer signs that consumers are feeling the pain of high inflation and successive interest rate hikes as Australian retailers have posted their first drop in sales in almost a year. Key points: Retail turnover in fell 3.9 per cent in December Turnover rose 7.5 per cent, compared to December 2021 Markets have priced in an 84 per cent …

Inflation eases back further, but food prices continue to soar
1 year, 11 months ago

Inflation eases back further, but food prices continue to soar

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy UK inflation eased back further …

Next set to reveal sales dip as ‘squeezed middle’ cut Christmas spending
2 years ago

Next set to reveal sales dip as ‘squeezed middle’ cut Christmas spending

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The cautious approach means that there could be no …

How shoppers spent their money in 2022
2 years ago

How shoppers spent their money in 2022

The Independent  

Sign up to our free money newsletter for investment analysis and expert advice to help you build wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

Holiday sales up 7.6% despite the squeeze of inflation
2 years ago

Holiday sales up 7.6% despite the squeeze of inflation

LA Times  

Holiday sales rose this year as American spending remained resilient during the critical shopping season despite surging prices on everything from food to rent, according to one measure. Holiday sales rose 7.6%, a slower pace than the 8.5% increase from a year earlier when shoppers began spending the money they had saved during the early part of the pandemic, according …

Retail sales drop at start of key holiday shopping season
2 years ago

Retail sales drop at start of key holiday shopping season

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Americans cut back sharply on retail spending last month as the holiday shopping season began with high prices and rising interest rates forcing families, particularly lower income households, to make harder decisions about what they buy. suggests that higher borrowing costs, slower employment growth and an unusually low saving rate are now catching up with consumers,” said Andrew …

Huge chunk of Britons’ Christmas food shop ‘will end up in the bin’ this year
2 years ago

Huge chunk of Britons’ Christmas food shop ‘will end up in the bin’ this year

The Independent  

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about …

10 costly Christmas shopping pitfalls to avoid
2 years ago

10 costly Christmas shopping pitfalls to avoid

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Not making a list and checking it twice “While …

Two-thirds of Britons fear they will not be able to spend as much on Christmas this year
2 years, 2 months ago

Two-thirds of Britons fear they will not be able to spend as much on Christmas this year

Daily Mail  

Almost two-thirds of Britons are worried they won't be able to spend as much as they usually do this Christmas amid the cost of living crisis, a poll has shown. According to a Redfield & Wilton Strategies survey for MailOnline, 65 per cent said they were concerned about having to scale down spending on presents and celebrations. According to a …

Shopper footfall stalls amid record temperatures and cost-of-living pressure
2 years, 5 months ago

Shopper footfall stalls amid record temperatures and cost-of-living pressure

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Retailers will be listening closely to how the next Tory leader plans to help …

Pubs and restaurants suffer ‘lost Christmas’ as sales plummet
2 years, 11 months ago

Pubs and restaurants suffer ‘lost Christmas’ as sales plummet

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Pubs and restaurants saw Christmas …

Bars and restaurants face New Year disaster after losing £10,335 each in Christmas week
3 years ago

Bars and restaurants face New Year disaster after losing £10,335 each in Christmas week

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Venue owners fear a nightmare Christmas week will be …

Christmas retail cash splash expected as Australian shoppers raid COVID-19 savings
3 years, 1 month ago

Christmas retail cash splash expected as Australian shoppers raid COVID-19 savings

ABC  

Despite months of lockdowns, lost incomes and travel restrictions this year, most Australians are expected to splash their stash of cash this Christmas. Key points: Commonwealth Bank's Household Spending Intentions Index has risen to its highest level since before the pandemic The country's biggest lender predicts Australians have $240 billion in excess savings due to the pandemic Shoppers spent more …

Australians tipped to spend $5.4b over Black Friday and Cyber Monday but buyer beware: You may not be getting the best deals
3 years, 1 month ago

Australians tipped to spend $5.4b over Black Friday and Cyber Monday but buyer beware: You may not be getting the best deals

ABC  

It used to be an American-only affair. Key points: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are now firmly entrenched in the Australian sales calendar, rivalling more traditional sale events such as Boxing Day But consumer groups are warning customers to beware before they open their wallets and spend big as they may not be getting the best discounts They suggest looking …

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