George Shoppers Choose Practical Gifts Over Luxury Items This Christmas

LONDON, December 3, 2011 -

With families across the UK being £13 worse off per week than this time last year* the tough economic climate is still hitting many families this Christmas. Recent sales stats from George at Asda in the run up to the festive period have shown that the nation is most certainly living the simple life and going back to basics when it comes to gifting.

Women’s slipper boots in particular have already seen a 144% uplift at George compared to this week last year and with just under four weeks until Christmas day, the store predicts that this will increase significantly as family and friends aim to please with much needed gifts instead of gadgets, jokes and luxury gifting this year.

And as customers spend savvy this Christmas, George launched a £10 or less gift campaign to help customers bag themselves a practically perfect bargain this winter.

George has discovered that almost half of the nation said they would be more than grateful to receive slippers from their partner this Christmas and 48% of customers let Asda know that they will definitely buy either clothing including pyjamas, woolly jumpers and dressing gowns, footwear including slippers and socks or winter accessories including gloves, scarves and hats.

The main reason for this switch from luxury gifts and gadgets to necessary items is due to families and couples staying at home more often during the festive season to cut costs and secondly that families admitted they wanted to feel wrapped up indoors as well as outdoors throughout the winter to save on the ever-increasing heating bills.

Cosy nightwear and home loungewear items are also showing strong sales performances, up 13% on last year, with a 75% uplift in warm, fleecy children’s nightwear and a rise of 34% on women’s dressing gowns compared to this time last year. Even men are following suit and keeping their legs warm whilst they sleep with sales figures showing an 80% rise in men’s pyjama bottoms, and men’s loungepants flying off the shelves.

Warm knitwear has soared over the last week with boys knitwear up a staggering 98% compared to this time last year and winter accessories are also showing a huge sales increase - an 83% rise in fleece gloves and a 63% rise in leather gloves.

George at Asda predicts that practical Christmas presents such as scarves, gloves, dressing gowns and slippers will be requested, gratefully received and actually used as we move into 2012.

Fiona Lambert Brand Director for George commented:

“We’re always looking to provide customers with affordable solutions especially when it comes to gifting at such an expensive time of the year.George’s fantastic range of winter knits, accessories, and sleep wear are the perfect present for tougher times as they are affordable and great quality.We predict that all members of the family will be more grateful than ever this year to receive traditional Christmas gifts such as jumpers, socks, gloves and scarves from their family and friends.”

And for convenience and added value, customers can order online at George.com with free in store delivery to and Asda store.

Notes to Editors:

*result gathered from Asda’s Income Tracker

Further statistics included from Asda’s Pulse of the Nation survey

Promotions

• Ladies and men’s nightwear bound Pjs sets promo- 1st - 7thDec
• Mens was £12 now £9
• Ladies was £11 now £9
• Chunky Knitpromo- until 5^thDecember
• Men’s chunky knitwear was £28 now £20
• Men’s acrylic notch neck Knitwear was £14 now £10
• Ladies rib waterfall cardigans Knitwear was £14 now £10
• Ladies military coatigan knitwear was £16 now £12
• Men’s check lounge pants was £10 now £8

For more information please contact:
Alex Lewis +44-(0)203-003-6311 /alex.lewis@freud.com
Patrick Ellerington +44-(0)203-003-6435 /Patrick.ellerington@freud.com

.