With the festive season approaching, Waitrose is witnessing an unprecedented surge in early Christmas shopping activities.
- Searches for Christmas gifts and party foods have tripled compared to the previous year.
- The demand for festive confectionery and desserts has seen an impressive doubling.
- Waitrose’s delivery slots are rapidly filling up, with 70% already reserved.
- The festive season has also prompted retailers to enhance their workforce, recruiting thousands of temporary workers.
As the festive season looms large on the calendar, there is already a noticeable boost in Christmas-related shopping at Waitrose. Searches for Christmas gifts and seasonal party foods have remarkably tripled from what was observed last year, indicating a heightened sense of anticipation among consumers.
In a similar vein, the appetite for festive confectionery and desserts has burgeoned, doubling in interest and pointing towards an early festive spirit gripping buyers. Such a surge signifies more than just indulgence; it reflects an eager consumer base keen on celebrating the holiday season.
The heightened demand is also being mirrored in Waitrose’s delivery service, where 70% of slots have been booked already. Since the service commenced on 25 September, it has seen a 6% increase from the previous year’s figures. Notably, 23 December stands out as a particularly popular choice, with nine out of ten slots already taken, underscoring the advanced planning by consumers.
This early shopping trend aligns with broader retail movements, where many companies are bolstering their staff for the Christmas period. Major retailers such as Sainsbury’s, M&S, Aldi, and Morrisons have embarked on significant recruitment drives, hiring thousands of temporary workers to manage the increased holiday demand, ensuring a seamless customer service experience.
The rise in early Christmas shopping activity highlights a proactive consumer mindset, eager to engage with the festive season.
