With today being September 25, it’s only three months until Christmas – for some, that is a good thing and for others, it might be a panic-inducing moment of ‘oh dear.’
Suffice to say, 2020 has been an unprecedented year – and it’s not known yet whether the ‘rule of six’ and new nationwide restrictions will be lifted by Christmas Day, so this Christmas could be a bit different.
And that includes the possibility that not everything on someone’s wish list is going to be available.
With supplies impacted by coronavirus and a higher demand in online retail, when should you start Christmas shopping this year to avoid any disappointments
Is it too early to start Christmas shopping?
This year, if you’re going to rely on online shopping for more of your goods and gifts, an earlier start might be beneficial.
The BBC reports that Andy Mulachy from IMRG – the UK’s Online Retail Association – is warning that firms may struggle to cope if there’s a sudden, late demand for products this Christmas.
‘We think the volumes are going to be really very excessive this year,’ said Mulcahy.
‘Whilst that in itself is not a problem, getting too much of it too close to Christmas is going to be a bit of a problem,’ he added.
‘If you can spread out your shopping and do quite a lot of it in November, maybe even a bit of it now, then that would really help.’
He goes on to predict that online trading could soar by the time Christmas comes around, meaning demand could see longer wait times for many items. He said: ‘At this point, I think we can expect an increase of at least 30% for the peak festive trading season, but if stores have to close this might push to 50%’
He’s not alone in thinking this.
Delivery company Yodel has hired nearly 3,000 new staff for the festive period, anticipating a huge surge in demand.
For those who want to enjoy the festive feels of seasonal shopping, John Lewis has opened their annual Christmas shops from today, September 25.
The Christmas shops have been opened everywhere from the flagship Oxford Street store in London to Cardiff’s store.
MORE: Hope coronavirus vaccine ‘could be ready by Christmas’ as UK battles second wave
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/09/25/christmas-shopping-2020-when-should-start-13327201/
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