Over £700k per minute to be spent in Christmas Eve rush

Millions of shoppers are leaving their Christmas shopping to the last minute with 20.1 million people planning to hit the shops on Christmas Eve. Sainsbury’s Credit Cards research indicates that 49% of adults, intend to do some of their Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve, spending around £1.14 billion. This is equivalent to £47.5 million an hour or £791,667 per minute. The bank estimates that around 18% of this will be placed on credit cards.

454,000 people anticipate that all of their Christmas shopping will be done on Christmas Eve and in total, 4.48 million people expect to do 50% or more of their Christmas shopping then. Those in the Midlands are the most behind with their presents: 18.1% of their shopping will be done on Christmas Eve. Those in the South East and East Anglia are the most organised.

Donald MacLeod, credit card manager, Sainsbury’s Bank said: “Our research suggests that it could be a busy time for the shops on Christmas Eve and that a lot of people will be using their credit cards. A card with a long interest free period can be a good way to spread the cost of Christmas.”

The Sainsbury’s Bank Standard and Platinum credit cards offer an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for 10 months, one of the longest offers currently available. They also offer a competitive 5.9% APR for the life of balances transferred in the first six months with no balance transfer fee. Customers also receive an exclusive book of money-off vouchers to use at Sainsbury’s.