The economic crisis has reduced Christmas spending throughout Europe, except Poland, where people plan to spend even more money on food and gifts than a year ago.
An average Polish family will spend about 1555 zloty (375 euro) on Christmas, which is 1.6 percent more than in 2008, shows a report by Deloitte. Meanwhile, an average European will spend 600 euro on Christmas - 4 per cent less than a year ago.
The Irish will reduce their Christmas spending by over 22 percent, the British by 17 percent and the Spanish by 9 per cent. Poles, in turn, will expand their expenses because Christmas in Poland is the most important family holiday and it is celebrated for three days with great pomp.
Poland is also the least affected economy by the finance crisis, with both the IMF and EU predicting that it will be the only European nation to see positive GDP growth in 2009.
Poles will be generous this Christmas – spending almost 700 zloty (168 euro) - half total expenditure - on Christmas gifts. They will spend additional 480 zloty (115.7 euro) on food and 320 zloty (77.14 euro) on eating out with friends.
Most Poles will do their Christmas shopping in supermarkets and will hunt for gifts in shopping malls. Eighty two percent of Poles will try to buy all necessary things as soon as possible to avoid crowds. Only every third Pole will buy gifts in internet shops. (mg)
Source: Metro