Will consumers spend less this Xmas?

According to a recent ICM/Retail week survey 33% of consumers have said they will spend less this Xmas and only 9% will spend more. Given that Xmas 2008 was the worst Xmas on record thats not good news!

However Gary Grant, MD of The Entertainer, was much more upbeat. He believes that spending on children will remain resilient

With the loss of Woolworths and Adams Childrenswear and other such retailers there is also less competition for toys and childrens products

As a soft toy wholesaler we have had the best start to Xmas ever so perhaps consumers are spending less this year, but spending it in a discerning manner. Fingers crossed