Cost of living concerns spur festive bargain hunting [Video]

Ongoing cost of living concerns are driving shoppers globally to seek out more bargains as they try to make their disposable income stretch further.

But despite the increasing popularity of sales before, during and after the holiday season, there is a growing scepticism amongst consumers towards the real value of the discount or promotion on offer, according to the latest EY Holiday Shopping Survey.

Highlighting the continued squeeze on disposable incomes, 57% are planning to participate in sales because of their financial situation.

Interestingly however almost two-thirds (64%) are sceptical of festive sales, questioning the real value of the discount/promotion.

Furthermore, more than half (58%) say that the actual items they want to buy are not part of the promotion.

The survey of 13,000 global consumerson their views and attitudes towards the Christmas and holiday shopping season revealed that almost half (45%) of consumers surveyed are concerned about being able to pay for this festive season, rising to 49% of …