Compared to 2022, UK consumers are expected to spend £3 billion less during the 2023 Christmas season. A survey has revealed that 79% of Britons intend to cut back on non-food expenses, particularly during the Black Friday and Christmas rush. Instead, they are turning their attention to online marketplaces, which are predicted to account for 50% of all online orders throughout the festive period.

The cost of living crisis remains a pressing concern for UK families, with 34% citing inflation and 22% expressing worry about their lack of savings as the foremost anxieties this holiday season. However, the desire to curb spending coincides with a growing awareness of the environmental impact of overconsumption. In fact, 41% of young shoppers are grappling with the conflict between pressure to purchase new clothes from fast fashion brands and their mounting climate anxiety.

This dilemma hints at a potential shift towards a more sustainable approach to Christmas gifting, with bargain hunting for pre-loved items becoming a more enduring tradition. The movement towards a circular, eco-conscious holiday season signals that consumers are becoming more mindful of their environmental footprint during this traditionally extravagant time of year.