If further confirmation was needed that UK consumers are shopping early this year for Christmas, step forward M&S, with the UK retail giant has said festive planning has started early, reporting an uptick in Christmas orders and decoration sales.
M&S said it’s seeing a shift in shopping behaviour this month, with early demand across both its Food and Home categories.
In Home, sales in the ‘Christmas Decorate’ category are up 67% year-on-year, driven by strong demand for decorations and lighting.
Customer insight from M&S shows that 28% of shoppers plan to decorate more than usual this Christmas — up from 26% in 2024 and 25% in 2023, reflecting an intent to protect the festive season.
Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, said: “We keep close to our customers, speaking with them often so that we know how they feel and what’s important to them. Right now, they are prioritising spending time with family and friends and protecting celebrations — looking forward to and planning a special Christmas at home is more important than ever.”
A report last month said UK fashion manufacturers are responding to rising demand for goods ahead of the Golden Quarter by building stock levels.
Clothing, footwear and accessories manufacturers are stockpiling in a bid to maintain product availability and service levels in the face of earlier demand and longer lead times, according to The Access Group/Unleashed .
