Press Releases - 1st November 2006Brit's squeeze in their Christmas shopping during work hoursIt seems that squeezing in the Christmas shopping will be that much easier for Brits this year, as research shows 53% of people now conduct their shopping online during work hours. The survey conducted by cashback-shopping website GreasyPalm.co.uk reveals that the internet is not just saving time for Brits by removing the trawl up & down the high street, but enabling them to sneakily conduct their shopping during work-time. Research undertaken also revealed that young people have the most relaxed attitude to online shopping during work-time. Just 37% of 21-25 year olds never shop online during work-hours - compared to a far higher 56% of people within the 46-50 age bracket. Paul Knapp, Director for GreasyPalm commented: "These results show the convenience of the internet means that people don't have to put aside a lot of time in order to complete their Christmas shopping. Many will squeeze it in whenever they can, which from the research we have undertaken, is often during work hours. It is interesting, but perhaps not entirely suprising, that compared to older employees, younger staff have no issues with conducting their shopping when they shouldn't be." Echoing the number of people shopping during work hours, 53% is also the percentage who plan to split their Christmas gift shopping evenly between online and offline. 33% of people preferred to shop online, with money-saving (48%) and time-saving (31%) as the main reasons for this preference. Whilst money-saving and time-saving were important reasons for most, 'no crowds' also proved to be a strong motivator, with women especially: 26% of women preferring to shop online gave this as their main reason, compared to just 13% of men. Whilst online shopping is certainly more popular than ever, it is still conducted with some distrust by older generations vs younger generations. Just 5% of those in the 21-25 age group gave credit card security as the major drawback of online shopping, compared to 19% in the 46-50 age group. When planning their finances for Christmas gift shopping, the majority of people, 67%, stated they do not save up at all. For the 33% of shoppers that do save up, the most popular time is 1 year in advance, with 34% of savers starting this early. Despite the majority of shoppers not saving up for Christmas, further statistics show they aren't stretching themselves financially by spending more than they can afford. 44% of shoppers would not be taking any form of finance to pay for their Christmas shopping, with 36% making purchases via a credit card, but paying off the balance in January. Paul Knapp said: "Money saving is clearly the primary motivation for people to shop online. This would appear to support shopper's plans not to overstretch with their spending at Christmas, thus removing the need to finance purchases with a credit card or loan." ------------------------------- Notes to editor: Research by GreasyPalm surveyed 2000 UK adults. To save time in reviewing the site we have created a login for you to access areas where membership is required: http://www.greasypalm.co.uk User: Editor Password: Pass About GreasyPalm: GreasyPalm was the UK's very first 'cashback' website, launched in 2003 and remains one of the UK's fastest growing consumer reward sites. The GreasyPalm model rewards consumers with cash discounts when they shop for goods & services from hundreds of the UK's leading companies including The AA, Marks & Spencer and Lloyds TSB. GreasyPalm has over 500,000 registered members and generates millions of pounds in retail sales every month, with over £3 million in cash rebates having been awarded to members since launch. Contacts: Submission Technology / GreasyPalm Shaun Dempsey T. 0207 1831 653 E. shaun@submissiontechnology.co.uk |
