Consumers Planning To Use £1bn In Vouchers This Christmas

• 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. 

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. 

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 [LINK].

Source : John Lewis Partnership

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