Spending patterns for the week before Christmas

Likely spending patterns for the week before Christmas Day on Friday December 25, 2015, show that 74% will be shopping both online and in-store. The Red Planet Research Panel conducted an online survey in early December to ask Australians (over 18 years) about their likely holiday spending patterns. In total 49,950 people responded.

How they will shop: 74% indicated that they will shop both online and in-store. Men are twice as likely as women to shop online only. Respondents plan to use social media to look for gift ideas (70%), find discounts, sales, and promotions (65%), and read reviews and recommendations (51%). Men (61%) are significantly more likely than women (39%) to use social media to look for gift ideas.

Where they will shop: About 90% of Australians surveyed indicated that they will shop at local retailers. When shopping, 40% of 18-34 year olds will shop locally to look for unique gifts, and 45% of people who are 35 years and older will shop locally to support the local economy.

What we buy: The top gift choices for 2015 in Australia are food and alcohol (62%), shoes and fashion accessories (55%), gift cards (53%), and books (51%).

What we spend: 68% plan to save money by looking for sale items and by researching deals online before shopping. For their total holiday gift shopping Australians plan to spend $1-$250 (20%), $250-$500 (35%), $500-$1,000 (26%), $1,000-$2,500 (13%), $2,500-$5,000 (4%), and over $5,000 (1%).

When we shop: 75% of people plan to do their gift shopping in December. Thirty-nine percent (39%) of men said that they will shop right up until the last possible minute before 25 December.

Have a great festive season!

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