{"id":628772,"date":"2025-12-12T18:38:19","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T18:38:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/628772\/"},"modified":"2025-12-12T18:38:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T18:38:19","slug":"northern-ireland-bucks-uk-trend-with-biggest-rise-in-festive-spending","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/628772\/","title":{"rendered":"Northern Ireland bucks UK trend with biggest rise in festive spending"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Northern Ireland consumers are leading the UK in festive confidence, early planning and online purchasing, according to PwC\u2019s latest Festive Predictions Survey<\/strong>\u2014which reveals the region is bucking national spending trends this Christmas.<\/p>\n

One in three Northern Irish consumers (31%) plans to spend more on gifts, food, and celebrations this year, more than double the UK average of 15%. <\/p>\n

Only 4% expect to reduce their festive spending, compared to 14% across the UK, signalling strong regional confidence despite wider economic uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Nationally, UK consumers are expected to spend \u00a324.6 billion on Christmas this year\u2014a 3.5% rise on 2024\u2019s \u00a323.7 billion. Per-adult spending is forecast to increase from \u00a3449 to \u00a3461, reflecting cautious optimism as households prepare for the festive season.<\/p>\n

Younger shoppers drive the biggest increases<\/strong><\/p>\n

The survey shows younger age groups intend to spend the most this Christmas. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, almost one third (32%) say they plan to spend more than last year, with an average spend of \u00a3541 per head\u2014the highest of any demographic.<\/p>\n

Shoppers aged 25 to 34 are next, spending an estimated \u00a3476, with 21% increasing their outlay. In contrast, older shoppers are tightening their budgets:<\/p>\n

Women are expected to outspend men over the festive season, with predicted spending of \u00a3471 per head, compared with \u00a3452 for men.<\/p>\n

Food, drink and health & beauty top Christmas priorities<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Food and drink remain the UK\u2019s biggest Christmas spending category, with 27% of consumers planning to spend more. PwC notes strong net spending intentions across food & drink (+13) and Christmas dinner (+11), driven by grocery inflation, more family gatherings, and upgrades to premium festive ranges.<\/p>\n

Health and beauty has risen to the third most prioritised category, with 18% planning to spend more\u2014particularly among younger adults. Fashion follows closely, with 17% expecting to spend more on adult clothing.<\/p>\n

NI leads UK in digital-first Christmas shopping<\/strong><\/p>\n

Northern Ireland is also embracing online shopping at a faster rate than the rest of the UK.<\/p>\n

PwC says this hybrid model presents significant opportunities for retailers who can successfully integrate both channels.<\/p>\n

Alison Blair, Managing Director Customer Experience Consulting at PwC UK<\/strong>, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cNew store openings across Northern Ireland are well-positioned to capitalise on positive consumer spending intentions this festive season. <\/p>\n

\u201cFrom Belfast\u2019s revitalized retail districts to fresh offerings in our market towns, success will come to those stores that can offer compelling product mixes at various price points, meeting the needs of shoppers managing budgets while celebrating special occasions and importantly, delivering an excellent shopping experience is key.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 8% of shoppers choosing click and collect represents a valuable opportunity for physical retailers to capture online sales while offering customers the convenience of avoiding delivery costs and collection times. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe blend of digital and physical shopping preferences demonstrates that successful retailers will be those who can offer customers flexibility across all channels, whether that\u2019s browsing online and collecting in-store, or experiencing products firsthand before making their purchase.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite a cautious start to the Golden Quarter, the majority of Christmas shopping still happens in December. <\/p>\n

\u201cFor Northern Ireland\u2019s newest retail establishments, there\u2019s everything to play for in building customer loyalty and establishing their place in our local shopping landscape during these crucial final weeks before Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

NI named the UK\u2019s most organised Christmas shoppers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just 3% of Northern Irish consumers leave their shopping until the last week before Christmas\u2014far below the UK average of 8%. Instead:<\/p>\n