LIKE every other celebration in 2020, the ongoing pandemic is impacting on Christmas but Big W is calling on Australian families to add one more decoration to their home this year – a heart.
A Big W spokesperson says the heart is a symbol reminding everyone that they are loved by those they might be distanced from, with consumer research commissioned by the company showing 12.8 million (64 per cent) of us will not be spending Christmas with family and friends this year.
Big W’s research found that almost half (47 per cent) of the population will have Christmas family gatherings impacted by Covid-19 travel restrictions this year; and among those unable to see some or any family at Christmas, one in four (24 per cent) would ‘definitely be willing to quarantine for 14 days’ to be able to see family, while a further one third (34 per cent) ‘may be willing to do so’.
However in bad news for retailers, spending on presents is also likely to be lower than normal with people estimating while they typically spend about $544 on presents, this year it will be closer to $413.
