Today marks 100 days until Christmas, and new research from American Express has found that Brits have already spent £1.7 billion on the festive season this year.
Some 15.8 million Brits, or approximately a third (30%) of UK adults who celebrate or shop for the festive season, started their shopping by September.
Those who have started their seasonal spending have already spent an average of £94 just on gifts. This increases to £110 when considering everything they have bought for Christmas, such as food, drink, travel and decorations.
Brits will once again flock to the high street for their festive purchases, with almost four out of five (79%) shoppers saying it’s important to support local businesses when shopping this season. This includes three-quarters of 18-34 year olds (75%) and over eight out of ten aged 55+ (82%).
When it comes to what will influence Brits on their festive spending, 41% indicated deals and offers would influence their decision to spend more on gifts for family and friends, compared to just 16% who said gift guides and 14% who said Christmas ads (14%).
Andrei Ciripitca, vice president at American Express, said: “The festive period is an important time for businesses and shoppers alike, and we continue to see many people spreading their Christmas shopping throughout the year.”
