Christmas Shopping set to get Underway This Saturday Morning (26th November)

CHESTER, England, November 23, 2011 -

M&S Money reveals the key to a premium shopping experience

• 40 per cent of men say their wife is their preferred shopping partner
• Just 23 per cent of women prefer to shop with their husband
• Brothers and neighbours are the least favoured shopping partners
• 47 per cent of Brits say the morning is the best time to shop

New research from M&S Money reveals around a third (29 per cent) of Christmas shoppers start their Christmas shopping one month before the big day^[1]. With those surveyed stating a preference for shopping on a Saturday, and favouring to shop in the morning, it suggests shopping for Christmas 2011 is set to get underway this weekend (Saturday 26^th November).

With Christmas shopping on the minds of many Brits this weekend, M&S Money divulges the key to a Premium* shopping experience, starting with the ideal shopping partner. 40 per cent of men say their premium shopping partner is their wife, however just 23 per cent of women say the same of their husband, while best friends prove the next best shopping partner according to 14 per cent of those surveyed.

Men didn’t rank highly as shopping partners, Dads were chosen by just one per cent and less than one per cent selected their brother as a favourable shopping partner for a premium shopping experience.

Amanda Newman, Premium Club Manager, M&S Money, commented: “Christmas shopping is a real event in many people’s festive calendar. They really plan ahead - making a list, selecting a shopping partner and setting aside a specific time to hit the shops. It’s all part of the build up to the big day itself - so you really want to enjoy the experience and we hope our Premium Club rewards help more shoppers do just that - with benefits like hot drink vouchers at our cafes.”

Although around a third (29 per cent) of Christmas shoppers expect to start their Christmas shopping this weekend, 11 per cent leave it until two weeks before and five per cent wait until the week before Christmas, with a further one per cent waiting until the day before. Around one in 20 savvy shoppers start their festive shop a whole 12 months advance, allowing them to take advantage of bargains in the January sales.

While Saturdays are the nation’s favourite day to take to the shops for clothing, luxury food and drink and gifts (35 per cent), Mondays are the least popular; preferred by just 6%. Although the morning is the premium time to shop according to over half (53 per cent), those between 18 and 34 prefer to shop later, with 47 per cent of 18-24 year olds and 46 per cent of 25-34 year olds surveyed stating a preference for shopping in the afternoon.

When it comes to fuel for shopping, 83 per cent of the nation’s shoppers take a coffee break when they go shopping; 54 per cent choose to take a break during their shopping trip, with 21 per cent preferring to re-fuel at the end of their trip.

M&S Premium Club members receive 48 hot drinks vouchers per year, worth up to £124. Members also receive treats and delights throughout the year, including a birthday gift and seasonal treats.  Annual worldwide multi-trip family travel insurance and triple point on the M&S Credit Card for all shopping at M&S, in-store and online.

M&S Credit Card customers can join Premium Club at M&S stores, by telephone on 0845-900-0900, or online at www.marksandspencer.com/money.

Notes to editors:

^[1]Research carried out by YouGov among a sample of 2015 UK adults between 7^th and 10^th October 2011. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

* By premium we mean the option that would lead you to have the best quality/ most memorable/ rewarding shopping experience.

    M&S Premium Club membership benefits:

• Triple loyalty points on the M&S Credit Card for all shopping at M&S, in-store and online
• Special treats throughout the year, including birthday gift and seasonal treats
• Hot drinks at M&S Café up to £124 in value per year
• Worldwide multi-trip family travel insurance, which includes cover for winter sports and independent travel

M&S Credit cardholders can join the exclusive M&S Premium Club for £15 a month for a minimum 12 month period.

M&S Premium Club Travel Insurance is underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc. Terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations apply. In particular there are important conditions relating to health which may affect your cover, see money.marksandspencer.com/premium-club/overview/#t4

For further information please contact the M&S Money press office: Liz Neild on +44(0)1244-686-068, liz.a.neild at mandsmoney.com; Louise Wheble on +44(0)1244-686-177, louise.wheble at mandsmoney.com