Brits admit being abusive while shopping
Christmas shopping could be a bad-tempered affair this year as new research reveals that 21 million Brits have shouted at or verbally abused staff and fellow consumers because they have lost their temper whilst shopping.
Online insurer swiftcover.com is warning stressed-out shoppers to consider changing their Christmas present buying plans this year, after its research found that growing impatience with long check-out queues, rude shop-workers and pushy customers who jump the line has caused more than one in five adults (42%) to lash-out.
swiftcover.com found:
46% of people in the Midlands had been abusive whilst shopping
45% of people in Wales had been abusive whilst shopping
44% of people in the North East had been abusive whilst shopping
43% of people in the South East had been abusive whilst shopping
42% of people in London had been abusive whilst shopping
42% of people in Yorkshire had been abusive whilst shopping
41% of people in the East of England had been abusive whilst shopping
41% of people in the South West had been abusive whilst shopping
40% of people in the North West had been abusive whilst shopping
39% of people in Scotland had been abusive whilst shopping
This was triggered by a number of shopping frustrations:
47% of shoppers get impatient with long queues at check-outs and tills
43% of shoppers get frustrated with rude or uncaring staff in shops
32% of shoppers get angry with people who jump the queues
20% of shoppers get frustrated with unknowledgeable staff
14% of shoppers get fed-up with slow staff
The findings come from swiftcover.com's Impatient Nation Report, which found that 37% of people in the UK admit they are now more impatient than they were three years ago. This growing level of impatience is affecting peoples' behaviour at home, on the road and now on the high street.
Tina Shortle, swiftcover.com's marketing director, says people need to change their shopping habits this Christmas so they can save time and stay calm. She explains: "There's nothing worse than struggling through the crowds at stores and shops, but people should not be resorting to screaming abuse at staff and each other.
"swiftcover.com is dedicated to removing hassle and saving time, so we've put our minds - and our own shopping experience - to ways of preventing retail rampage with our Christmas Shopping Golden Rules."
swiftcover.com's Christmas Shopping Golden Rules
1. If you're going to do it, do it online! - There's very little you can't buy online these days, but not only does internet shopping help you avoid the crowds, it also enables you to compare prices and products, and eliminates the shopping bag laden journey home.
2. Go late or get up early - If you really must do your shopping in person, then head for stores with late night opening, or set your alarm, get up early and get in before the crowds.
3. Get a personal shopper - Not as indulgent as it sounds. Debenhams for example, offers a free service where you can discuss your present requirements and then sit back with a drink whilst your personal shopper braves the crowds to find the perfect gift.
4. Give some goodwill - Choose a gift that does some good for others, such as a donation via Oxfam Unwrapped oxfam.org.uk/unwrapped - not only will you be helping people less well-off, you can also easily organise it online or by buying a gift card from Oxfam shops.
5. Do It Yourself - Why not bake a cake, make some chocolates or knit a woolly hat and give it as a present. It'll be unique, personal and you'll avoid the stressful check-out queues.
6. Give them money - Quick and easy and the queues at the cash point are usually pretty short, so popping some readies in a card could be a good idea, especially for kids.
7. Virtual gifts - Another benefit of the internet is the availability of virtual gifts that can be sent and received from the comfort of your own home. iTunes, Lovefilm and Amazon all have gift vouchers that can be printed off or simply sent to your loved one by e-mail.
8. Buy it next year - Not very festive, but the ultimate in time (and money) saving schemes. When the crowds disappear from the shops after the sales are over, pick up some bargains and put them away for next Christmas!