Press Releases - 20th November 2006Survey shows Christmas shopping habits fit 'Squirrel' behaviourA survey conducted by cashback-shopping website GreasyPalm.co.uk reveals that the majority of UK shoppers fit 'Squirrel' behaviour patterns. It was found that 76% of people shop over many different trips, collecting their gifts gradually - by far the most popular method for Christmas shopping. The second most popular behaviour is that of a 'Guzzler' (13% of those surveyed) getting all their gift purchases out of the way in a single, big effort. Just 11% are 'Headless Chickens' rushing around at the last minute to buy their gifts. This 'Squirrel' shopping behaviour is far more popular with women - 84% of women surveyed fit this pattern of shopping, compared to 63% of men. These statistics, which may not be entirely suprising, show men are far more likely to conduct their shopping in a single trip or have a last minute rush. 37% of men had a single trip or last minute rush, compared to 16% of women. Paul Knapp, Director of GreasyPalm comments: "The results of this survey show that stereotypes of men and women's Christmas shopping habits do actually reflect reality. Men are typically seen to be either very decisive when deciding upon gifts, buying them in one trip, or hopeless with their preparation, leaving it until the last minute and having to rush around. Women, on the other hand, are seen to be much better prepared when it comes to buying gifts and, looking at the evidence, this appears to be true." Results of the survey also show that many people are lucky even to receive their gifts - 76% of shoppers have ended up buying for themselves instead, rather than other people, when looking for Christmas presents. Just 24% of people have never wavered when shopping for other people. There is a slight difference between men and women's habits here, 22% of women have never deviated when shopping for others, compared to 26% of men. Paul Knapp says: "It's clear that when shoppers are seeking out Christmas gifts they can become easily tempted. From the comments we have received there seem to be two main causes. Firstly, when shoppers go out to buy for themselves, often they seek out a specific item very directly. However when seeking gift ideas for others instead they drift, looking for inspiration. This leads shoppers into discovering items they have not seen before but like, prompting a purchase for themselves rather than friends or family. Secondly, gift-buying can often be a frustrating and exhausting experience. Many shoppers feel they deserve a 'treat' for the time they have put in - especially when their trip has not been fruitful." Statistics from the survey also show that far from the spending habits seen to be typical of women at Christmas (shopping for presents during the holiday period and then rushing out to spend at the sales), 49% of women surveyed stated that they do not shop at all during the January sales, with a further 28% stating they hold money back from Christmas, specifically to spend in the sales. Men, on the other hand, are far more likely to use credit, with 36% choosing to fund their sales purchases in this manner, compared to 23% of women. However with consumer debt levels increasing in recent years, it seems that the majority of shoppers are now careful not to spend outside their means during Christmas and the New Year. -------------------------- 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 |
