British shoppers fear Christmas will disappear from high streets

Almost a third (30%) of British consumers are worried about Christmas disappearing from the high street, and as a result just 7% will do all of their Christmas shopping online this year, new research has found.

Research carried out by e-tailer Christmas Tree World has revealed that Christmas drives more people to the shops – with 39% of Brits stating that shopping on the high street at Christmas is a large part of the festive experience.

Some 36% say they like to see Christmas decorations and displays on the high street at Christmas, while a further one in three say they feel Christmas shopping would be less enjoyable if there were no Christmas decorations and displays to enjoy while shopping.

When asked what would encourage them to spend more while shopping on the high street during the festive period, 35% claimed they would part with more money if there were early Christmas discounts and offers available to them.

Stephen Evans, managing director, Christmas Tree World, said: “It’s good news for retailers, shopping centres and even councils to see how that consumers feel so strongly about the Christmas shopping experience and want to see visible signs of Christmas on the high street.

“93% of those surveyed will do some element of their Christmas shopping in a physical store, so not only will embracing Christmas attract more consumers to one shopping destination over another, but as the data shows, it’s likely to encourage them to spend more while they are there.”