How The UK Is Planning For Christmas 2020

05/11/2020

John Lewis survey reveals how the UK is planning for Christmas 2020

Potentially signalling the end of the last-minute shopper, households are being more prepared than ever before when it comes to Christmas 2020. According to a new survey, it appears the UK remains determined to indulge in the festive spirit early.

The survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of John Lewis reveals how the UK is planning for Christmas 2020. As expected, it looks set to be a very different one to previous years, as record sales at the shop are also demonstrating.

Homemade gifts and sending cards are set for a big resurgence. Decorations will be up earlier and in more rooms around the home. Plus, more people will be putting up outdoor lights to spread a bit of joy.

Early festive fun

Almost a third of those surveyed said they were planning Christmas earlier than usual this year.
Of those, 74% said they are shopping for gifts early. Plus, 39% are already stocking up on food gifts. A third of people also plan to put up their decorations earlier than usual.
John Lewis Christmas shop sales are up 63% on last year, with its virtual Christmas shop being one of the most viewed pages on johnlewis.com. Advent calendars are also up 48% this year, while Christmas baking kits are up 65%, with customers already looking for festive activities to do.

The end of the last-minute Christmas shopper

60% of people said they will have their Christmas shopping done by the end of November.
Just over 8% said they would wait until the week before Christmas this year.
Less than 2% said they would wait until Christmas Eve.

‘Tis the season to be savvy (but thoughtful)

Of those who are were planning Christmas 2020 early, 47% said spreading the cost was a big factor behind them shopping earlier this year.
More than half of those surveyed said they plan to spend less but will be more thoughtful about what they get someone.
Almost a third of people said they would make their presents this year; haberdashery sales are up 30% at John Lewis and craft kits are up 85%. Also, making up Christmas stockings is proving popular again, with stocking sales up by 45%.
Almost a quarter of people plan to give a gift to neighbours or a member of their local community this year; twice as many people as last year.
44% of people said they were planning to get gifts delivered directly to friends. Hamper sales, for instance, are already up 265% at John Lewis in comparison to last year.
20% said they plan to send vouchers or gift cards this year. Gift card sales via johnlewis.com are up 80%.

Still on the cards

More than 70% said they intended to post more or the same amount of Christmas cards this year. This is in comparison to 51% who said they intended to send more or the same amount of virtual greetings.
Card sales at John Lewis have risen 69% in comparison to last year, with online card sales up over 200%.
More than 30% of people said they were spending more time this Christmas thinking about how they can make more contact with family and friends now they might not be able to see them.
More than 20% said they were already thinking about how they can entertain people virtually as well as at home or what will be the backdrop to their video calls.
Chromebook sales alone are up 235% in comparison to last year.

Deck the halls

Nearly 40% of people plan to decorate areas around the house they haven’t decorated previously, as people celebrate in style and get ready for more video calls.
Of those, nearly a fifth (18%) will be decorating their hallway and stairs for the first time. Plus, over 19% said they would decorate the outside of the house or their gardens.
Sales of Christmas lights are already up 48% at John Lewis, lighted decorations are up 46% and Christmas wreaths are up 40%.
30% of people said decorating the tree would be the big family moment outside Christmas Day this year. Sales of Christmas trees and boxed baubles are up 128% and 107% respectively compared to last year.

Commenting on the survey results is Dan Cooper, Christmas buyer for John Lewis.

“It will undoubtedly be a Christmas like never before and one we know will be very challenging for many. But there seems to be a determination to end the year on a positive note and indulge in the festive spirit earlier than ever.

“People are giving more thought to how they stay in touch with friends and family and how they can make someone’s Christmas that bit more special. Shoppers are understandably wanting to capture as much of the traditional experience and celebrations as possible.”