Cost cutting Christmas

Christmas is coming. Although Christmas is supposed to be a joyful time of year, it is also an expensive time and this year more people than ever are going to feel the pinch. However, the lack of money in the economy and our own personal bank accounts doesn’t seem to stop everyone.

Nielsen’s Consumer Confidence Index recently revealed an increase in consumer confidence so much so that levels have risen to their highest in 18 months. Recent research by Mintel also revealed that 20% of consumers will splash out this Christmas, making the most of low interest rates and the lower rate of VAT which is set to rise again in January.

Christmas is really about children and parents try to make it as special and magical for them as possible. This puts pressure on mum and dad to buy the latest toys and gadgets, which despite lower interest rates and VAT, are still expensive. So what can parents do? Buy online says Which?

Researches are Which? recently compared the cost of 26 different goods online and in store and found that you can save £384, or 19%, if you steer clear of the high street and shop from the comfort of your home.

Internet shops are expected to reach £8.9 billion in sales this Christmas which is an increase of 24% on last years figures. This is due to an increase in market share pulled over from regular high street shopping. Seven in ten people plan to do at least some of their Christmas shopping online this year and 38% intend to do almost all of it on the web.

Electronic and entertainment goods are easy to buy online as unlike clothes and shoes for example, you don’t need to worry about how they fit. You can simply read the specification or listen to a sample of songs and decide. But there are other more interesting presents that you can buy online too and not worry about whether something is the wrong size or looks cheap etc.

Department stores have been offering hampers for years now, and the larger ones such as Harrods and Selfridges have a particularly good reputation for it, but now online florist Interflora is muscling in on the hamper action. Interflora has a wide range of Christmas hampers to purchase online, with chocolates and wine to Dutchy Originals, there is something to suit every taste and budget.