Research reveals shoppers are splashing out on big baubles

Research from i2i Events Group shows that UK shoppers are splashing more cash on Christmas decorations this year as rising consumer confidence drives demand for bolder displays.

New research reveals austerity-weary Britons will spend an average £26.09 on baubles and lighting this year, with a return of outdoor decorations, and bigger artificial Christmas trees. This represents a 4.6% rise on 2012 and adds up to a massive £2.5 billion bonanza for retailers.

The UK’s biggest retail trade event, Spring Fair International, which hosts all the major Christmas suppliers, confirmed that the bumper orders placed by retailers reflected positive predictions about consumer demand for decorations.

John Athwal, managing director of Premier Decorations, one of the UK’s biggest suppliers of lighting and decorations said: “The bigger the better seems to be the rule this Christmas, something we haven’t seen for a few years. There is a return to big, brash outdoor decorations and lighting which shows that consumers are feeling more optimistic and want to celebrate Christmas. Value for money continues to be important though.”

Louise Young, managing director for the retail division of i2i events group, adds: “The feedback from Christmas exhibitors at our show was that retailers came out of last year’s Christmas feeling far more bullish. We know that repeat orders by retailers over the last few weeks have also been strong and they look set to enjoy one of their best Christmas’s for years.”
According to Spring Fair’s major Christmas exhibitors, this year’s festive fads are:

Tinsel

Kristie Allsopp was trumpeting the charms of this Christmas mainstay as early as February, and retailers sat up to take notice. The Spring Fair reported a huge increase in tinsel sales, with the retro classic expected to add its trademark glimmer to awnings, trees and terraces all across the country.

Christmas Trees  

There’s been a noted lack of interest in novelty trees this season, with people forgoing cheap and cheerful pines in favour of authentic options.  Whether driven by nostalgia alone or the heady smell of pine, top-end and quality Christmas trees will take pride of place in Brit’s homes this December.

Christmas Colours
If Christmas had a flag it would be painted red, gold and silver according to Spring Fair International. No matter what colours or variations buyers are presented with, Red, Silver and Gold are consistently the biggest sellers.

Bespoke Bounty
The popularity of online sites Pinterest and ETSY have led to serious lusting over hand crafted, bespoke decorations. Those who lack the time to stitch or etch their own ornaments have not been forgotten, with retailers investing heavily in decorations with a distinctly bespoke air.

Outdoor Décor
The bigger the better seems to be the unofficial motto this season, with Brits investing heavily in outdoor décor, with an eight foot, air blown, illuminated Christmas tree proving particularly popular. Elaborate ornamentation had a distinctly unsavoury feel as Britain struggled a recession, but the party spirit has returned along with consumer confidence.

Lighting
Brits are all about longevity this year with Spring Fair reporting a rise in demand for LED lighting.  While the long lasting sturdier fixtures have reduced demand for traditional light bulbs, which needed annual replacement, the cost affective option ensures a lighter and brighter Christmas.