One in four people have put off their Christmas shopping – because they're worried they'll sell out.
Today (September 16) marks 100 days until Christmas, and a survey of 2,000 adults to mark the occasion found 50 per cent have struggled to find sought-after gifts in previous years – and 30 per cent have missed out completely.
As a result, 38 per cent of people feel anxious until they make the purchase and 36 per cent get tired thinking about what to buy.
But 36 percent of these first-timers have already bought the main gift for an adult.
The items shoppers are most worried about selling out include decor items (36 per cent), the latest tech products (32 per cent), kids’ advent calendars (29 per cent) and Christmas must-have toys (29 per cent).
The research was carried out by cashback and rewards firm Rakuten [https://www.rakuten.co.uk/]And its shopping and trends expert, Alex Stedman, said: “There are a number of factors that encourage FOSO – fear of selling out is one of them.
“From forgetting something in the past to seeing a product become increasingly popular on social media – many people worry they may not find their perfect gift.”
“And it's easy to see why, as over the last few years we've seen a number of items such as cosmetics-related advent calendars and games consoles become gold dust and cause panic.”
Many companies are starting the season early to spread costs, to avoid sales misses (52 per cent).
Others want better deals by starting their shopping early (45 per cent) or simply because they love Christmas (26 per cent).
A smart approach to festive shopping also includes maximising loyalty points (25 per cent) earned throughout the year.
A further 15 per cent are using money earned from cashback websites – with 43 per cent of these people saving their cashback specifically for Christmas.
The remaining 40 per cent buy items as early as possible so that the money earned reaches their account by December.
The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also found that the average Christmas budget this year is set at £626.
Rakuten’s Alex Stedman said: “By planning in advance, we’re not only securing the gifts we know our loved ones will want, but also ensuring the festive season is more stress-free – something we can all aspire to.
“Furthermore, by maximising deals and cashback offers, we can enhance our spending power, adding even more festive magic to the occasion.”
Shopping experts give you the best advice on how to avoid buying essentials this Christmas
1. Subscribe: If an item is sold out, don't panic. Many retailers offer alerts when it's back in stock, and with 100 days until Christmas, you'll have time to buy it.
2. Take advantage: Keep an eye out for deals. Often these deals are in place well before December, so sign up on retailers' sites and be ready to haggle when they happen.
3. Maximise Benefits: Use cashback shopping platforms to earn cashback in addition to deals and sales, thereby maximising your festive fund.
4. Organise: If you are so afraid of missing out, think of a backup gift. Often the recipient has no idea what you have planned! And if it changes, they will be okay with it. This reduces stress and ensures you have options.
