by Richard Buckley, Editor, Business Eye

A new survey from Hastings Hotels has revealed a huge 98% of us are making a conscious effort to support home grown businesses more during the pandemic. The results of the festive shopping survey, which was completed by 16,908 people, shows 71% of us are choosing to shop locally to keep local businesses trading, with another 19% doing so to protect jobs.


And if you haven’t started buying gifts, you’re in the minority as 65% of us have begun the annual shopping spree. Don’t panic though as almost a third (32%) admit to leaving it until the last minute. In fact almost double the amount of men (54%) than women (28%) are choosing to leave their Christmas shopping until the eleventh hour.

With just over seven weeks to go before the big day, most of those who have crossed some presents off their list, started last month (57%), with an extremely well prepared 5% kicking off their shopping in July or earlier.

Julie Hastings, Marketing Director of Hastings Hotels said: “It’s so heartening to see so much support from the public for local businesses that have been through some very tough times these past eight months. In the run up to the festive season, when so many businesses would normally be experiencing their busiest trading period of the year, it’s never been more important for people to continue to support local.

Whilst our seven hotels are currently closed due to the ongoing restrictions, it is encouraging that the Hastings Hotels gift cards are once again proving to be a popular festive gift choice with our sales continuing to grow daily. The versatile gift cards have no expiry date and can be used in all of our properties, in the two magnificent spas and any of the restaurants and bars. We are also seeing a rising trend in multi-generational getaways, with families booking our hotels to spend quality time together over Christmas after a stressful year in which so many of us have spent months apart from loved ones.”

Gift cards are a popular choice to give and to receive with most people surveyed saying they prefer to receive hotel vouchers, closely followed by restaurant and spa vouchers. 42% have had a gift card expire, causing annoyance for 75% but surprisingly only putting off 19% from purchasing one again.

A majority of respondents (57%) say they will spend around the same amount on Christmas as last year, with most consumers preferring a mixture of in-store and online to pick up their perfect gifts. However, 37% said they will spend less.

We will miss family and friends most if restrictions continue (89%), followed by socialising and soaking up the festive atmosphere.

For the month of November Hastings Hotels is giving an extra £10 for every £100 spent on a Hastings Hotels gift card. The card has no expiry date and is redeemable on any experience across all seven hotels.

To take advantage of this offer, go to www.hastingshotels.com or call the Gift Hotline on 028 9047 1066.

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