Christmas shopping to get underway tomorrow

According to research carried out by YouGov for M&S Money,

around a third of UK shoppers will begin their Christmas shopping this weekend, one month before the big day. With those surveyed stating a preference for shopping on a Saturday, and favouring to shop in the morning.

The data also revealed that even though around 29% of Christmas shoppers expect to start this weekend, 11% leave it until two weeks before and 5% wait until the week before Christmas, with a further one per cent waiting until the day before. However, one in 20 shoppers starts their festive shop a whole 12 months in advance, allowing them to take advantage of bargains in the January sales.

Amanda Newman, Premium Club Manager, M&S Money, commented: "Christmas shopping is a real event in many people's festive calendar. They really plan ahead - making a list, selecting a shopping partner and setting aside a specific time to hit the shops. It's all part of the build up to the big day itself."

M&S Money also discovered that while Saturdays are the nation’s favourite day to take to the shops for clothing, luxury food and drink and gifts, Mondays are the least popular; preferred by just 6%. Although the morning is the premium time to shop according to over half, those between 18 and 34 prefer to shop later, with 47% of 18-24 year olds and 46% of 25-34 year olds surveyed stating a preference for shopping in the afternoon.