A new shopping survey shows Christmas will start early and stay local

New research conducted by DMG Media Ireland has found that consumers are keen to support the Irish economy, with an overwhelming majority (70%) of respondents stating their commitment to shop on local sites for Christmas gifts this year.

More than 8 in 10 (82%) of Irish people are shopping more online than ever before with over half (55%) of respondents conceding that they will commence their Christmas shopping earlier this year.

Most trust that their online order will be delivered on time (78%) and they are willing to accept that deliveries may take longer coming into the busy Christmas period (86%).

Instore experience still important

Despite 7 in 10 Irish shoppers agreeing that convenience and safety are leading factors in why they have increased their online shopping habits, the same proportion (70%) admitted that they still rely heavily on the in store experience ahead of shopping online.

Almost one third of those questioned (29%) intend to spend up to €1000 shopping this Christmas while almost one in ten indicated that they are likely to spend up to €2000 this coming festive season with clothes, toys and technology ranking top of the gifting list.

Four in ten now shop online several times a month. Over one in ten indicated that they shop online several times (‘a few times’) a week with 76% admitting that they typically don’t just shop for themselves, rather for their whole family online.

More than one third of respondents (36%) spend €50 to €100 per month online shopping while one in five admitted that they now spend over €200 a month on web purchases alone with 88% of users selecting home delivery rather than collection when making an online transaction with 78% agreeing that they are confident online orders will be delivered on time.

Not going into debt

In a recent DMG Research piece on personal finance (July 2020) it transpired that 80% of all respondents have saved money through the pandemic. When asked in this current shopping survey “would you consider financing your Christmas gifts this year” 66% said they wouldn’t with a further 19% unsure; only 15% said they would. Furthermore when asked about how people are paying for their shopping over 80% said they use a Debit Card or Paypal.

Speaking of these findings, Eleanor Hutch, Brand Content Editor at DMG Media Ireland said it's clear that Irish people want to enjoy a more meaningful Christmas this year.

"People are championing local businesses and putting their money back into the Irish economy by vowing to support small Irish retailers this Christmas. It comes as no surprise that people want to begin shopping earlier, as we all are so looking forward to making the festive season extra special as 2020 draws to a close,’ she said.

* Survey completed by 1197 Irish people from a sample of Extra.ie, EVOKE and RollerCoaster.ie’s combined 2 million unique users per month