As Brits get ready to complete their Christmas shopping for the year, new research has found that nearly one in five now take time off work to make the most of a Christmas shopping trip.
The Countdown to Christmas report, published by shopping centre operators Intu, shows that 31 per cent of Brits waited until this week to finish buying gifts, while as many as one in seven are yet to start.
However, the rise in leisure-led shopping means more people are making time for the experience by booking time off work to combine shopping with socialising – with five per cent of this group taking as many as three and a half days off.
Meanwhile, 16 per cent said they are more likely to go shopping in the evening at Christmas than at any other time of year.
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The report also highlights how shoppers are willing to spend an extra £110 looking for festive fun outside of the home, such as a family visit to Santa‘s grotto, food and drinks or a trip to the cinema.
“Shopping behaviours throughout the year are evolving as a result of changing consumer expectations, new technology and social media, with shoppers looking for something that goes beyond the transactional,” Intu chief executive David Fischel said.
“Going Christmas shopping remains an important and special part of Christmas tradition as people bring together shopping and socialising like never before.”
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