- 86% of households have been saving up their vouchers specifically for Christmas shopping,
- Over a third (36%) will use more vouchers than they did last year
- 59% are planning to use vouchers to treat their family this Christmas
An estimated 20 million Brits are planning to use £1bn in shopping vouchers, either earned through spending on retail reward cards or gifted to them, to make the most of this Christmas.
The UK-wide research commissioned by John Lewis Finance of over 2,000 people found that 70% are planning to embrace get togethers with friends and family but almost half (45%) said they will be mindful of how much they spend. The majority of people (61%) have set a budget for presents.
Most households (86%) have been saving up their vouchers specifically for Christmas shopping, and over a third (36%) will be increasing their use of them this year.
A chance for a treat
On average, shoppers have £57 in vouchers saved up, equating to £1bn across the UK. Six in ten (59%) said they will use vouchers to treat their family, and 36% to treat friends but for 43%, it’s a chance to treat themselves. Between 64-85% are planning on spending on ‘treats’ where they can - including a new Christmas Day outfit, an advent calendar, champagne and a cheese selection.
Two in five (38%) will be taking advantage of sales and offers more over the next few months and 19% have started shopping earlier to spread out the cost; a quarter (24%) of respondents started their shopping in October.
And when it comes to gifting, thoughtfulness and usefulness are front of mind: a third (32%) will be focusing on more personal presents, 29% will make them practical, and a quarter (25%) will only be buying items people have actually asked for.
‘A great Christmas’
Jason Morrey, Head of John Lewis Partnership Credit Card, said: “With household costs rising, shoppers are wisely looking for ways to ensure they can have a great Christmas and treat themselves and their loved ones, without breaking the bank. Saving up vouchers is a great way to do this. Over the past five years our Partnership Credit Card customers have earned over £250m in vouchers to spend at John Lewis or Waitrose.
“The Partnership Credit Card rewards customers with five points on every £4 they spend* at John Lewis or Waitrose, and one point on every £4 spent elsewhere where Mastercard is accepted. Shoppers who successfully apply for our new Partnership Credit Card on, or before 31 December 2022 will earn triple points (3.75% in points) on purchases at John Lewis and Waitrose made during their first 90 days after their application has been *accepted.”
For every 500 points earned customers are sent a £5 voucher which can be spent at John Lewis or Waitrose. Vouchers are issued three times per year.
New customers pay 0% on purchases for the first six months, helping to spread the cost of Christmas.
To apply for the new Partnership Card, please head to John Lewis Finance.
Notes to Editors
All data, unless otherwise specified is taken from 2,019 general consumers who celebrate Christmas conducted by Censuswide in October 2022. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
