Tesco has published new research which looks at consumer trends as the busy shopping season ahead of Christmas gets underway.
This year, more than ever, people are most excited about being reunited with loved ones and gathering at home this Christmas with almost two thirds of respondents saying that enjoying a full family reunion and socialising with loved ones is top of their Christmas list this year.
Almost half of respondents throughout the country (46%) revealed that the last time they and their entire family gathered for Christmas was before 2020, however, almost a quarter of those travelling home for Christmas say they are looking forward to the annual family bickering that so often happens over the Christmas period.
As the rising cost of living continues to impact consumers, 51% of respondents said they have reduced their Christmas budget while almost 3 in 10 (28%) say that they will only buy presents for close family and friends.
Despite the rise in online shopping over the previous two years, traditional shopping habits remain with 48% Munster shoppers saying that they will hit the shops to complete their grocery shopping this year, however, and 42% will seek out gifts online. Supporting local is on shoppers minds this year with 52% of respondents opting to buy gifts locally this year.
Cathal Deavy, Customer Director, Tesco Ireland said:
“We’re on the countdown to Christmas now, excitement is building, Christmas lights are being turned on and people are beginning to celebrate the joy of Christmas. We’ve been hearing from our customers that they’re excited about the festive season, and this research confirms that shoppers in Ireland are ready to celebrate Christmas like they used to, with one or two caveats. This is why we’re standing up for joy this Christmas and looking for joy in the simplest of things.
