Waitrose shoppers are getting into the holiday spirit earlier than usual this year.
- Searches for Christmas-related items on Waitrose’s website have tripled compared to previous years.
- 70% of delivery slots have already been filled as demand surges for festive products.
- The busiest day so far is December 23, with 90% of slots booked.
- The increase in demand mirrors broader retail trends, as companies ramp up hiring for Christmas.
Waitrose customers are diving into the festive preparations far ahead of time this year, with a noticeable surge in activity surrounding Christmas shopping. Search frequencies for Christmas gifts and seasonal foods on the Waitrose website have skyrocketed, showing a threefold increase compared to last year’s figures.
The luxury supermarket is witnessing unprecedented demand for its delivery services, with 70% of its delivery slots already booked. This rush for deliveries, which began on September 25, reflects a 6% increase in comparison to the previous year, underscoring the growing anticipation for holiday shopping.
The day garnering the most attention is December 23, noted for having an outstanding 90% of delivery slots already claimed by eager purchasers. This level of engagement highlights a significant shift towards early planning and shopping for Christmas, as people aim to secure their holiday necessities well in advance.
Maddy Wilson, Waitrose’s own brand director, remarked, “We’re seeing a huge appetite for Christmas already with online slots filling up faster than ever before and customers stocking up early on our festive treats”. Her comments underline the high demand for Waitrose’s extensive Christmas range, which boasts over 500 products, currently enjoying a 25% volumetric increase in sales over last year.
This surge in early holiday shopping aligns with the broader retail sector, where companies like Sainsbury’s, M&S, Aldi, and Morrisons are actively recruiting to manage the peak season. These firms are preparing to enhance customer service by hiring substantial numbers of seasonal workers.
Early Christmas shopping trends at Waitrose indicate a larger shift towards preemptive holiday planning and preparation.
