Nearly 90% of people have not completed their Christmas shopping yet, as the pandemic puts pressures on families, research from Klarna claims.
In a survey of 2,000 Klarna users, it found that 16% of people are planning to spend more on Christmas this year, 31% intend to spend the same as always, while 43% are limiting their spending.
The survey asked how their shopping is going, with 64% stating they have a long way to go. Only 11% said they had finished and 25% said they had not even started.
Online shopping has had a surge in usage due to the pandemic causing widespread lockdowns, however, 33% of people are still concerned about buying gifts online.
Of those worried, 45% are concerned about the quality of the goods they receive. In a situation where they are given the wrong product, 40% of respondents are worried about the returns process.
Another caution towards online shopping is delivery, with 54% of respondents concerned on an item arriving on time. Other issues include customer service (25%), getting the best price (26%) and security of purchases (16%).
Klarna head of UK consumer marketing AJ Coyne said, “It’s been a tough year for everyone, marked by uncertainty, and one in which people have spent limited time enjoying the company of their friends and family.
“This Christmas, it makes sense that we want to treat our loved ones to a gift they truly want. In conjunction with lockdown coming to an end, retail analysts are anticipating a surge in spending over the coming weeks.
“However, it is more important than ever before that we are spending responsibly, and that shoppers have a sense of control over their personal finances this Christmas. Klarna enables customers to shop in a way that works for them, giving them flexibility, control and convenience, and resolving fears over complicated returns or an unsecure checkouts.”
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