Portuguese will spend more, but give less at Christmas

The general increase in prices is not in line with the purchasing power of the Portuguese. As such, they will spend more, but give fewer gifts, at Christmas, particularly to adults.

A study by the Portuguese Institute of Marketing Administration (IPAM) revealed that, this Christmas, the Portuguese will spend, on average, more 392 euros than last year.

However, despite this increase in expenditure, the same study managed to determine that the Portuguese will give fewer gifts, especially to adults.

It may seem contradictory, but these numbers are easy to understand, if we take into account the generalized rise in prices.

The conclusion of the “Christmas Shopping 2024” study is precisely this: consumer purchasing power does not keep up with the general increase in prices.

“Respondents who report that they will spend a greater amount than they spent in 2023 indicate in 58% of cases that this change is due to the general increase in the price of products”, says the document.

“Although the average amount spent increased by 10% compared to 2023, this does not reflect greater purchasing power, but rather the pressure of rising prices“, Mafalda Ferreira, responsible for the IPAM study, confirmed to .

This year’s results reveal how economic situation is shaping the consumption habits of the Portuguese, even in a time as important as Christmas”, he added.

The report also highlights that the priority of families is the table at consonant. In this chapter, the Portuguese will spend on average 120 euros. Cod and king cake top the shopping list.

The rest of the money is distributed preferentially between toys for the boys, who leads the ranking of garments.

For adults, the favorite gifts are clothing, footwear and accessories.

18% of respondents admitted that they will offer electronic games to teenagers.

Also noteworthy are the bookswhich “occupy fourth place in the ranking of the most offered products, in all age groupswhich has become a trend in recent years”, said Mafalda Ferreira to .

The study also highlights that the online shopping has already surpassed shopping centers.