Are the French late with their Christmas shopping?

Nearly seven out of ten people in France (68%) have already started buying their Christmas gifts, according to a survey by Toluna for retail and consumer magazine LSA. The survey was carried out on 4th December, three weeks from Christmas, and the figure represents a 3.1 points decrease compared to the same period last year.

Over half of French consumers (55.4%) have flocked to the shops with their Christmas shopping list in the week from 28th November to 4th December, a 1.8 point decrease compared to the same week in 2015.

Gifts for kids are at the top of everyone's lists, but the survey showed that just over a third of parents (34.8%) have already bought presents for their children. The majority of parents will therefore have to rush through their purchases.

In the week from 28th November to 4th December, French consumers have focused on shopping for toys (40.7% of buyers). Perfumes and cosmetics (31.7%), clothing (31.4%) and sweets (29%) are also high on the consumers' priority list.

The online survey was carried out on a sample of 1,502 French consumers aged 18 and over.