Nearly half the British public plans to shun big chain stores this Christmas as they seek more thoughtful presents to make up for not seeing loved ones, a survey claims.
A survey of 2,000 adults found 51 per cent are going out of their way to support small businesses this year, with 48 per cent wanting to completely avoid buying from large corporations.
And more than half said their shopping habits will be different this festive season, as one-fifth are planning to leave behind their usual “go-to” presents.
Instead, 16 per cent want to be more creative with the gifts they buy while 15 per cent will spend more time looking for more personalised items.
Lisa Jacobs, Europe managing director at Funding Circle, which commissioned the survey, said: “After an extraordinary year, we’re all thinking more about the Christmas presents we’re buying and where we’re buying them from.
“It’s brilliant to see shoppers championing their local small and independent businesses this festive season, finding gifts that are unique and well-suited to their loved ones.”
The research, which was carried out to mark Small Business Saturday on December 5th, also found 32 per cent of adults prefer buying gifts for others from small businesses.
More than half are even willing to pay an average of £26 more for a unique, personal gift from a small business than those from a chain.
Another 53 per cent also said they are not going to be enticed by offers in big stores when Christmas shopping this year.
The poll, conducted via OnePoll, also found 39 per cent admitted 2020 has made them realise how important small businesses are.
SWNS
