Are you using actual shops more this year?

[Bayroot1]

I find I am. I think it's mainly because of delivery cock ups and being able to see things before buying. I can see if something will fit someone, what the quality is like etc.

I've noticed the local shops seem to be busy on all days. I work in the community so can be out and about any given day.

Are you using shops more rather than the big A? I use them too.

I’m going to sound like a real Scrooge (I am!) but I can’t bear physical shops at this time of year as I despise Christmas songs. I stop listening to the radio from mid-November too.

More restaurant and shop vouchers this year

I’m really lucky to have a nice gift shop, M and S food, nice plant + gift shop, great bookshop, electrical shop that does board games all in walking distance from me.

so if I don’t get it from there (and I buy mostly stuff for me and DH there) then it’s online. I’ve bought high street vouchers for most teenagers/kids and I had to do that online (not Amazon)

No, I shop almost only online! I hate the crowds in shops and that there's no guarantee they'll have the right sizes in.

Yes, because almost everything now is £3/4.95 delivery and takes ages!

It's amazing how busy the shops are and have been for a while considering most here shop online.
I've got about half online and will get the rest at the shops. I'll probably get finished Monday. I don't have many to buy for though ,dh and adult dcs. Dsd and her dcs get money. I knocked buying for other family and friends on the head. Oh next door buy us something but dh is giving them a homemade Christmas cake.

No there is nothing in the shop at the moment apart from people and small children I click and collect when I can

That's what I do when I shop online. We have 2 shops at least in our village that has this. Plus the garage.

I have never stopped shopping at the shops. I enjoy it and like to see and feel what I am buying x

No.
I've tried...locally the shops are either randomly closed or open odd hours or don't have what I want - I'm currently after small red baubles...not hugely weird?...none to be found
I think I've done 98% of my shopping online this year (I do try avoid amazon though)

I do some Christmas shopping in person when we go in holiday to places with more unusual shops, otherwise online.
Although I do like a browse in Waterstones near Christmas and usually find something I haven't thought of, they have some lovely gifts in there.

I do a mix of both. I go to shops when I know what I'm looking for and can be pretty certain it's in stock. I never go aimlessly, hoping to find something. There's nothing worse than trudging along the high street trying to find something, it's exhausting and boring.

I buy some presents online, never from Amazon though.

I've never stopped, there are some things I have to buy online but I gave up on online grocery shopping years ago, because it's a lot easier to just go to the supermarket and you get to see what you are buying, very rarely shop for clothes online and love going out shopping, I like being out amongst other people and spotting things I'd never find online.

I've noticed the shops seem busier in my town this year which is great, hopefully the decline in the High St is slowing down.

I’ve done the majority of my Christmas shopping online this year. I will go into the shopping mall for late night shopping next week but that’s it. I have no desire to ever step foot in my local town centre ever again. I live in Derbyshire, a local man, my age, got stabbed in a bank in town this year and we don’t feel it’s safe currently. It’s been like it for years but we feel more aware of it now.

I used to but there are too many people and too much noise. It is overwhelming and stressful. Also i am very indecisive so when i have been to shops i keep walking around with two things in my hand trying to choose and it staked forever to get even one thing

I never get groceries online. You can pick better dates yourself.

A bit more, yes. It’s quite a faff to order loads and send back loads after trying it on. So if I can get to a shop and try something on it’s great

No. I was sick to death of trailing around and coming home without what I went for.

It’s been so much easier and a lot cheaper to shop online.

Just in response to those saying the delivery charges add up -
If you don’t drive, the tube/ bus fare ends up more expensive.
If you’re driving obvs theres your petrol and (if relevant) parking charges too.

Both, saw some books in waterstones and used the bar code scanner on the Amazon app to get them much cheaper, on next day delivery. Saved about £12 so worth it.

No. I think 90% of my Christmas shopping has been online this year. I hate going into town, the shops are awful and I can never find what I am looking for.
I do like small Christmas markets/fairs and charity shops and have got a few gifts from those. The rest has been bought online and a few gifts purchased from vinted for the first time.

It costs me £6 to park in town, then I would probably buy a coffee so another £4.50, plus fuel. So I am happy to pay £5 postage.

But if you were physically already in Waterstones did you pay for public transport to get there or car parking charges + petrol?
Unless you walked there then did you actually save any money?

That's clothes though (i assume as you say trying it on).
What about books or toys or jewellery etc.
Do you go to shops for those or buy online?