Have people finally had enough of shops and greedy prices

[budlights]

I can't speak for other areas, but while I was out shopping this morning, I was surprised at how much was still available on the shelves. Morrisons had plenty of gift sets, candles, home accessories, Christmas chocolates, toys, etc. It was the same in Sainsbury's, B&M and Tesco. There were also a lot of items on sale, so they're obviously eager to shift it all. I typically do my shopping at the last minute because of work, and usually, most items are sold out, but this year seems different. Have people reached their limit?

Most (not all!) luxury brands are quite dependent on the aspirational shopper, though.

Yesterday morning in my local Waitrose, the store was half full eight minutes after it opened when I went in. M&S food hall half full last Thursday at 3pm. I live near two branches of Waterstones and have seen long queues every time at both stores.

There is still plenty of people around with lots of disposable income willing to spend money on stuff. Those people won’t all be rich.

This was the case at the Manchester Christmas market when I visited 10 or so years ago. Most people buy food and drink at Christmas markets, hardly anyone buys the crafts, jewellery, candles etc.

I think so yes, I always do my shopping last minute which has its downsides as I'm stuck with not being able to get one thing unless I pay double but yes, there is lots around that is discounted. I think the Christmas vibes are not vibing in my family, unsure whether it's because the world has gone to shit or everyone is just fed up with the unorginality of the commercial Christmas, my teenage DD said to me that she can't imagine what's like at my age (mid 40s) to have experienced the same Christmas songs for the last 40+ years but I explained that Christmas wasn't really like the Truman Show when I was a teen a child and teenager. Got example, the Easter eggs will be on sale in January, what is that about!

Oops, didn't mean to refer to teen years twice and that should read, 'for example'.

Our massive tesco didn't have any pack of cards weeks ago. Only single cards. Wtf

I had to get cheese today so stopped in at the Waitrose by the park - which was very very busy in terms of people present, but no major queues for the tills.

Christmas fatigue is something I keep reading about. Perhaps new activities will need to be invented to keep people interested and spending money. Like I’m sure Elf on the Shelf is a relatively recent addition? Same with beauty advent calendars where you spend $400 to get 24 sample size moisturisers and serums and whatnot. It was definitely only chocolate advent calendars when I was growing up!

Some of us don’t want to set foot in a shop because of the bloody music. Make it stop!!!

Come to think of it I haven't had to 'angrily circle' any car parks this year at the supermarkets.

I wonder if more people are adopting the 'no presents for adults' strategy? My family do this now and I have mentioned it to a couple of friends who've said that they also do this and/or have for a few years.

I think the major supermarkets opening 24 hours plus online delivery helps reduce queues. I used to hate the till queueing when it used to go all the way back up the aisles.

Gosh, I would hate to have no Christmas presents just because I’m not a child. As if the transition to adulthood wasn’t traumatic enough!

Christmas this year will be at PILs and will be almost child-free (family friends have a 12 year-old, that’s it) and there’s going to be a lot of present giving/receiving. I can’t imagine Christmas without it.

I went into Poundland on Saturday - they already had mini eggs and some easter eggs out on the shelves (albeit at the back of the store). I had to look twice I couldn't believe it!

Town was dead today. I went in because I had to speak to someone and was dreading it but it was quiet for a normal school holiday let alone just before Christmas.
A bit odd.

What’s an aspirational shopper?

Today isn’t the last minute! I do think a lot of people have weirdly decided that everything needed to be bought by today, but plenty of others will be shopping jn the next two days.

Oh yes, the Elf on a Shelf was a thing for my DC but I didn't do it. I did take them to an amazing Christmas grotto but when my eldest was little you don't have to book it 6 months in advance, it did start to get like that for my youngest who is a mid teen.

The high street are 13% down from last year so you’re not wrong

Absolutely , I was in Boots yesterday and their 3 for 2 gift shelves were still packed . They have started to put a few half price shelves on , which confused me as they were previous 3 for 2 gifts and still had the green sticker on but when I asked if they were still 3 for 2 , even though they had been marked to half price they said no . They were on the same shelf though so not v
clearly marked , but in answer to your question , I don’t think people have bought much this year , waiting for the sales I expect .

Wow, I think there's something quite depressing about it all - compulsory enthusiasm that with a void filled by stuffing ourselves with overpriced 3 for 2 party food and Celebrations!

I think it’s a mix of reasons. People like me and DH aren’t really bothered and wouldn’t do much if it weren’t for the kids. We don’t overeat at Xmas, and our presents for each other consist of a book each. We are going to some Xmas experiences, because that’s an activity rather than just having more stuff.

Others cant afford things. Some have become much more environmentally conscious. Yet more have become annoyed at the rote palaver that is Xmas, with music that never changes, and the fact that Xmas now takes over a month rather than 12 days max!

It isn't greedy pricing. Supermarkets operate on very small profit margins which they can only get away with because of the volume sold. Any other business would sink.

People are generally buying less due to a variety of factors. Cost of living, global and economic uncertainty, environmental consciousness.

Its very common for shops to have lots of seasonal stuff on sale after holidays. 15 February has been discount chocolate day for me for donkeys years!

My DH was in an independent wine shop near us just now and the owner told him he’d sold 1,000 bottles today!

I saw the same in Tesco, which was good for me because I still have a couple of gifts to get so picked up bits for half price. I do think people are generally being more mindful of getting value for money. I wouldn’t be buying Sanctuary gift sets at £20+ but half price feels more reasonable for a token gift.

I agree but 'stuff' and the environmental impact. Equally, it peaks too early now, even things like our office parties are the first week of December, 15 -20 years ago it was more like to be the Friday just gone and drinks on the 23rd.