Holiday preparations are already in full swing at Waitrose, with a notable surge in Christmas shopping activity.
- Searches for Christmas gifts and seasonal party foods on Waitrose.com have increased threefold.
- Festive confectionery and desserts have seen a twofold rise as consumers stock up early.
- A significant 70% of delivery slots have been booked, reflecting a 6% increase from last year.
- Retailers across the board are gearing up for the holidays by hiring additional temporary staff.
Holiday preparations are evidently in full swing, as Waitrose reports a considerable upswing in Christmas shopping. Searches for Christmas-related items, including gifts and party foods on Waitrose.com, have surged threefold compared to previous periods, indicating an early rush by customers to secure their festive essentials.
Additionally, there is a clear uptick in the purchase of festive confectionery and desserts, doubling from the last year. This trend of early stocking up on holiday treats suggests that consumers are eager to embrace the festive season well ahead of time.
The demand for delivery services has also intensified, with 70% of Waitrose’s delivery slots already filled. This represents a 6% rise in bookings since the previous year, underscoring the growing inclination towards convenient holiday shopping. Notably, December 23rd stands out as the most sought-after delivery date, with nine out of ten slots already taken.
To address anticipated holiday demand, retailers are actively engaging in recruitment efforts, bolstering their workforce. Companies like Sainsbury’s, M&S, Aldi, and Morrisons have announced plans to recruit thousands of temporary workers, indicating the bustling retail landscape that is to be expected as the holiday season approaches.
Waitrose’s early surge in Christmas shopping is a clear indicator of the festive season gradually taking hold, reflecting wider retail trends.
