The festive season is fast approaching, and with it, the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. This year, consumers are more focused on supporting local businesses and finding convenient ways to get their shopping done, especially as delivery slots become increasingly competitive.
One heartwarming example of the spirit of local shopping is Eoghan Corrigan, a five-year-old from Cork, who is not just dreaming about Santa this holiday season, but also encouraging the community to engage with their local shops. He recently published his first book, titled My Irish Adventure, co-written with his mother, Carol. The unique book is meant to teach young children about the various landmarks, culture, and folklore of Ireland through the eyes of a child. It has been quite the creative project, spurred on by Eoghan's playful imagination when he received a jigsaw puzzle of Ireland for his birthday last year. Their new initiative, the 'Keep Santa Local' campaign, aims to encourage families to shop from local stores this Christmas.
“If I didn't have kids, then this project definitely wouldn't have happened,” Carol mentioned, expressing her pride in her son’s accomplishment. The campaign promotes not only the book but also local shopping for Christmas essentials like turkeys and seasonal vegetables, emphasizing the importance of supporting smaller businesses. The book is already available at several local stores, including Collins Supervalu and Barry’s Centra, and can also be purchased online. It is perfect for children aged three and up, making it an ideal gift for the younger crowd this Christmas.
While many engage with local stores, others are finding convenience through online grocery shopping this festive season. Major supermarket chains across Britain have opened their Christmas delivery slots, including Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose. Shoppers are encouraged to secure their slots early to avoid disappointment as Christmas Day approaches. With the increased demand for delivery services, experts at MoneySavingExpert (MSE) are advising customers on how to navigate the process effectively.
Notably, customers should be aware of delivery fees and specific timings related to their orders, as these can vary between different supermarkets. For example, priority is typically granted to those with delivery passes, which can save on delivery charges and offers perks for regular customers. MSE has pointed out, "It's important to check whether you can edit orders before confirming them too, as supermarkets may have different deadlines on this. For example, both Sainsbury's and Tesco have cut-off times of 11pm the night before delivery, whereas Aldi and Lidl currently do not offer delivery options.”
The rising popularity of online grocery shopping during Christmas reflects changing consumer habits, where convenience and safety are prioritized, especially considering possible adverse weather conditions and busy holiday schedules.
All this buzz around shopping, whether online or local, points toward the shifting dynamics of how people approach the festive season. “This year we’ve seen significant increases online for Christmas products, from as early as mid-September,” said Georgina Bell of ASDA.com, reflecting the preparations consumers are making to enjoy the holiday comfortably.
Beyond groceries and gifts, the festive season is often the best time for retailers to flaunt their creative offerings. It isn’t just about shopping – it’s about creating joyful experiences and memories as families inevitably come together amid the celebrations. For those unable to get out to shop, specialty foods, local crafts, and bespoke gifts are available for delivery through various online platforms, ensuring everyone finds something special.
With the atmosphere of excitement leading to Christmas, local authors like Eoghan Corrigan are becoming the champions of shopping local. While supermarkets are gearing up to handle increased deliveries, initiatives like ‘Keep Santa Local’ remind us all of the importance of community support during this vibrant season. It’s about coming together, sharing joy, and keeping the spirit of Christmas alive through our choices, whether we're booking groceries online or finding the perfect gift at the corner shop.
So, as shoppers write their lists and check them twice, this season offers ample opportunities to brighten the holiday for many, fostering both local businesses and joyful family gatherings around the Christmas tree. Whether it’s through Eoghan’s charming book or the conveniences of modern shopping, the essence of Christmas will surely shine this year.
