Access Retail Week’s The Christmas Consumer report for exclusive data on how and when UK shoppers will spend this festive season – with analysis and insight to bolster your strategy
Retail Week’s latest free report, created in partnership with Vypr, explores how UK shoppers will behave this Christmas, combining exclusive survey analysis from 1,000 Brits alongside insights from our journalists, leading retailers and industry experts.
Below is a short preview of what you can expect to learn.
What key Christmas trading questions does the report answer?
Each of the below are explored in detail within the report, alongside analysis to help retailers translate these findings into actionable tactics for golden quarter success:
- When will shoppers spend? And what impact will discount days such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the January sales have on shopping habits?
- Where will shoppers look for inspiration? And how will social shopping and AI search influence what customers purchase?
- What will shoppers buy? And which categories are set to come out on top, and what trends can we expect to see?
- Which channels will drive the most sales? Be it online, in-store or a hybrid approach
- How will shoppers spend? What payment methods will they use, and where will they trade up or down this year?
- Which retailers will come out on top? Featuring intelligence on the retailers 1,000 shoppers said they plan to spend the most with this year, and why their strategies are working
Which retailers will I learn from when reading the report?
The report explores the strategies of the big winners of Christmas 2025 – such as Tesco, TikTok Shop and The Cotswold Company – as well as the most voted-for retailers in the current survey.
It also features examples and insights across more than 30 retailers and brands, spanning categories including food and drink, health and beauty, toys and games, department stores, fashion, homeware, and more.
What is the crucial takeaway for retail this Christmas?
Shoppers will be planning with more intention this year, prioritising spending on gifting and experiences that feel personal, while trading down on everyday basics to make space in their budgets.
The report outlines a practical checklist for retailers willing to listen to their customers and tweak their strategies accordingly, meeting customers halfway to reap the rewards.
For example, Boots’ 3-for-2 offers and seasonal discounting are actively responding to customers’ need to make the most of their budgets without compromising on the gifts they want to give.
Miniso UK is embracing the power of social media as a driver of customer engagement, product promotion and spend – looking to leverage YouTube content in-store as a route to increase footfall over the Christmas period, directly reflecting customer demand.
Who else did Retail Week speak to for this report?
To understand the shape of consumer expectations and behaviours this festive period, and the opportunities for retailers – beyond analysis of the bespoke research study conducted – Retail Week spoke with industry experts such as Adobe, MRI Software, NIQ and Christmas in July Group, among others.
How can I get hold of the report?
Access your free copy here to unlock insight into shoppers’ buying habits this golden quarter.
