New research from IGA reveals that more than two thirds of surveyed Aussies (67%) are set to change the way they celebrate Christmas in 2020.
This is expected to involve supporting local businesses, cutting back on gifts and travel, and placing more emphasis on quality time around the dining table.
The IGA ‘Christmas Aisle Index’ report, which delves into the nation’s Christmas buying behaviours, found in a year dominated by difficulty and uncertainty, 50% of respondents are choosing to support local Australian businesses following a year of bushfires and Covid-19
Surveyed Aussies will spend less on gifts (27%), going out (24%) and travel (21%), particularly interstate travel (14%).
The report suggests, however, that Aussies won’t cut down on groceries and alcohol (with only 7% of respondents planning on spending less on groceries and alcohol), as almost a quarter of surveyed families (23%) place more emphasis on spending quality time around the dining table.
This comes as almost one-third of respondents (31%) plan smaller more intimate celebrations with friends and family in the lead up to Christmas Day. Nearly half of surveyed Australians (45%) are set to host up to three Christmas celebrations, while 2.3 million (13%) will do up to four Christmas celebrations as restrictions begin to ease around the nation.
Grocery shopping and supporting local
Findings show that 56% of respondents plan on doing multiple shops picking things up as they need it this Christmas. This is opposed to one big shop (25% of respondents).
More than 3.8 million Australians plan on supporting the local economy by spreading their Christmas grocery shopping across a few local, independent grocers and farmers markets.
IGA retailer and Chair of the IGA National Retailer Council Joseph Romeo says local family owned businesses lie at the heart of communities across Australia.
“It is fantastic to see how Aussies, now more than ever, are choosing to shop locally, supporting the businesses, and suppliers that have supported them in what has been an unprecedented year,” he says.
“This Christmas, like so many other Aussies, my number one priority is spending quality time with my family. So, from my family, and the families that sit behind 1400 independently owned IGA stores to yours, we wish you a safe and happy festive season.”
