New research commissioned by media technology company Oath reveals that UK consumers are the biggest spenders on Christmas presents throughout Europe with an average spend of £291.60.
Results show that the UK’s nearest European rivals spend at least £50 less (France: £241.75, and Germany: £208.73), and even with Brexit looming, 84% of those surveyed said it won’t affect their Christmas spending.
Meanwhile, nearly 20% start planning their gift buying in September, increasing to 70% before December, and only 5% claim to be last minute spenders, leaving their shopping until less than two weeks before Christmas Day.
One in four millennials say they will be purchasing a virtual reality (VR) headset (as a gift or for themselves) this Christmas, whilst four in 10 UK consumers are planning to buy a tech gadget (most likely to be wireless headphones).
Oath’s research also reveals that 87% of UK consumers plan to do their gift shopping online due to flexibility, cheaper prices and to avoid highstreet crowds.
On the flipside, six in 10 of those who are in-store purchasers do so because they prefer being able to see and touch the product.
“When it comes to Christmas shopping, UK consumers are clearly planning ahead and with many looking for inspiration online, there are ample opportunities for brands,” said Nigel Clarkson, managing director at Oath UK.
“What’s more exciting, is that VR headsets appear to be a popular purchase for millennials, proving that as more platforms like Microsoft’s Mixed Reality come to the fore, VR is finally reaching the scale tipping point.”
The survey consisted of 2,000 European residents, including around 1,000 in the UK, and compared how differently France, Germany, Italy and Spain prepare for the festive period.
