Iceland has said it will be offering customers free food this half term as over half of parents say they are already feeling the pressure of festive expenses.
Thanks to the frozen food specialist’s Famous Holiday Freebie offer, from the 20th October shoppers who spend over £20 in-store and swipe their Bonus Card can choose a free item from Iceland’s easy tea products – including big brand names from Birds Eye to McCain.
Sales data from the retailer shows that customer demand for its easy tea range spikes over the school holiday periods, with products such as fish fingers and chicken dippers seeing an over 20% increase in sales around Mid-February (previous half term) and throughout July and August (Summer term).
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To give back to shoppers seeking to spend mealtimes together as a family, the value supermarkets is looking to ease teatime costs as the festive season nears.
New research from the value supermarket reveals 51% of parents surveyed admit they’ll buy fewer Christmas presents compared to last year due to cost.
While over a third (39%) of the parents surveyed also find the mornings and evenings getting darker and pressure to buy takeaways whilst saving for upcoming seasonable events hard.
One in five (20%) agree spending more on electricity to heat the home and keep kids entertained is a challenge too.
Iceland Foods chief executive Richard Walker said: “While half-term is an exciting time for families when kids get a well-deserved break from school, we know it can also put additional pressure onto household budgets. That’s especially true in October, with Christmas wish lists now firmly on the horizon.
“Through our half-term offers, we’re committed to reducing the tough choices parents have to make at this time of year with our free teatime essential offers, Day out with the Kids Pass and other value deals.”
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