CHRISTMAS is nearly here and the shops are stuffed with frantic customers on a mission to stock their kitchens for the big day.
For those who would rather dodge the last-minute dash and Christmas chaos, there’s one day to avoid at all costs.
According to new data, December 23 is the busiest day for stores like Tesco and Aldi.
Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar, said: “There are clear signs that shoppers are already stocking up their cupboards.
“Sales of assorted sweet biscuits and biscuits for cheese both doubled in November compared with the month before, while 8% of us bought a Christmas pudding.”
Their latest figures also show that the cost of an average Christmas dinner for four has risen to £32.57, up 6.5% on last year, largely driven by the price of turkey and Christmas vegetable staples.
While ‘Christmas Eve Eve’ is set to be a busy one, Kantar found that Brits are more prepared this year.
This comes as a poll found that the average person spends £658 on Christmas gifts and will visit 28 stores by December 25.
A poll of 2,000 over 25s who celebrate the festive season found they typically go on four sprees each year, excluding online shopping.
Each trip results in £164.50 forked out on seven gifts for others – and two for themselves.
While a third of men wait until December to start their Christmas shopping, 77 per cent of women start in November or earlier.
The research was commissioned by experiential spirits store The Bar At Home and found 29 per cent of males admitted to buying some gifts on December 24th, as did 21 per cent of females.
Yet 26 per cent of all those polled try to start earlier each year but often fail.
The research also found 42 per cent of shopping trips are successful, despite 27 per cent admitted they find it difficult buying for others.
And 49 per cent believe going to physical shops rather than seeking out gifts online is part of the festive experience.
A further 23 per cent agreed better and more unique presents can be found in stores because they can physically see the item (72 per cent) and potentially see something they weren’t initially looking for (62 per cent).
Almost half (48 per cent) prefer to go Christmas shopping on their own, while 17 per cent like to go with others.
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
