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Interest.co.nz readers' poll suggests a restrained Xmas for New Zealanders
New Zealanders are planning on keeping a tight rein on their Christmas spending this year with many opting to spend their money instead on travel or other experiences outside the retail sector.
In our most active poll since 2008, 140 readers (28%) said they planned on spending anywhere between $100 and a maximum of $500 on presents. That was followed closely by more than 130 (27%) who said they were earmarking Xmas money to visit family abroad or for "other experiences."
Surprisingly, more than 100 (21%) said they planned on boycotting the holiday altogether or at least dispensing with the gift buying side of Christmas.
Our poll results are in contrast to predictions from credit data specialist Veda New Zealand which suggested a more spirited and carefree approach to gift giving based on credit applications being up 9% from 2011.
Managing director John Roberts told the Waikato Times that more favourable economic conditions bode also well for retailers this year.
"People have got through the global financial crisis and are managing their finances better. Home loans are coming off fixed-term programmes and moving into floating rates with people saving themselves 1.5 percentage points, which is quite a bit in terms of saved interest," Roberts said.
According to Paymark, which processes 75% of all electronic transactions, New Zealanders spent just over $4.6 billion combined last December.
The Retailers Association has also predicted a more exurberant consumer spend this year following a long period of deleveraging and debt restructuring.
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Could it be that interest.co.nz readers are not representative of the public given their more acute interest in financial issues? We're interested to hear your thoughts in the comment stream below.
4 Comments
I think there might be a
I think there might be a little bias in polling interest.co.nz readers ...
Is it true the gift to interest.co.nz readers this year is The Complete Works of Bernard Hickey, or is that just for staff? - Shame.
Yes, it's probably fair to
Yes, it's probably fair to say that Interest readers are slightly more fiscally sensitive than most.
Or "tight", in the words of their kids. :)
JESUS.. Dare I mention that
JESUS..
Dare I mention that CHRISTMAS is a religious festival.
The simple fact that it has become a SPENDFEST festival ...is neither here...nor there.
As it has got completely out of hand, it is hardly surprising that there may be less consumption of Chinese and other Non-believers Products ...religiously.
And the simple fact is that many could not afford to borrow more for crap products, so may be de-leveraging their "GOD ONLY KNOWS WHY"....debt.
And
And coincidentally...received from abroad....this very MOURNING.
Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,
not Happy Holiday!
Please, all Christians join together and
wish everyone you meet
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!
The end...
And I will add...an addendum.
And not munny for presents...people Christ only knows.........cannot afford.