‘Most Britons feel it is crucial to shop local’

Most Britons (83 per cent) say it’s critical to support local high streets this festive season, stated new research, adding that more than half are looking to buy local in hopes of supporting their wider community. The research suggests Brits want independent retailers and businesses – the backbone of the UK economy – to not only survive, but also thrive and grow. 

A new research report, The Seasonal Shopping Snapshot, published by Ankorstore  analyses both sides of the coin when it comes to consumer spending and discusses the ongoing pressures facing retailers and consumers alike when it comes to the rising cost of living and political turmoil. 

Research shows that more than half (54 per cent) of British independent retailers are expecting an uptick in profits and sales volumes as they head into the festive shopping season, and more than two thirds (69 per cent) remain optimistic that consumers will continue to support their store in the months leading up to Christmas. 

The reality, however, suggests that Brits can expect fewer presents under the tree this year, with 41 per cent of consumers planning on buying fewer gifts for Christmas than they did last year, and 6 per cent planning to buy no Christmas gifts at all.  And it’s not just gifting that is being affected, with 60 per cent of Brits admitting they will be spending less in shops and online due to rising costs, inflation and a pending recession.  

Millennials, in particular, are feeling the pinch, with over two thirds (67 per cent) stating that they will be spending less on luxuries and commodities as the cost-of-living crisis continues. That being said, more shoppers are looking to buy local (66 per cent), in hopes of supporting their wider community. 

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, 83 per cent believe it is important to support their local high street, and for those looking to buy gifts on the high street this year, supporting their local community trumps convenience as the top motivation. Two thirds (66 per cent) of Brits who feel it’s important to support their local high street do so as they like to support their local community, whilst 54 per cent state they do so for its convenience and a further 31 per cent as it’s more sustainable.  

Over half of Brits (55 per cent) state that quality is the most important attribute when it comes to finding the right present, with sustainability (30 per cent), locally-sourced (18 per cent) and cruelty-free (14 per cent) also notable considerations.  

“People know how critical it is to shop local. A whopping 83 per cent of them. Independent retail has been through the ringer in recent years but most of us know we’ve got to do our bit to support it,” reports quoted Mary Portas, British retail expert and broadcaster, as saying.

“Thriving retail helps us all. Busy local high streets provide community and connection. Online retail provides employment, inspiration – and a whole heap of products that you don’t get in brands with a thousand stores. Let’s spend our money wisely this Christmas.”