Research by Centra has revealed that customers spend twice as much on in-store utility top ups, including mobile phone, electricity and gas in the week before Christmas than during other weeks throughout the year. Other top selling items just before the festive break include bread, chocolates, toys and stamps.
Centra sales director Nigel Maxwell said; "The increase in figures for phone and utility expenditure in the run up to Christmas can be explained by people calling relatives and friends a lot more and entertaining guests at home for prolonged periods." Centra also says that almost double the amount of bread is sold, indicating that shoppers are stocking up on the most essential food items in preparation for some time away from the high street.
The other main purchases – chocolates, toys and stamps - don’t feature anywhere near the top during other periods outside of December, according to the retailer. Model Finola Guinnane juggles some last minute shopping, illustrating the research by Centra.
Picture: Darren Kidd/Press Eye