Brits opt for DIY at home this Easter
(14 Apr 2009)

Data released today (14 April 2009) by Barclaycard Payment Acceptance, confirms that people opted to stay at home this Easter. The data shows an increase in purchases in department and DIY stores and garden centres and a reduction in airline and hotel spending, compared to last year. Spending in department stores was up 26% in the four week run up to the Easter weekend, with spending in DIY and gardening up 18% for the same period, highlighting that consumers took advantage of early Easter sales and discounts in some of the leading outlets.

Spending in supermarkets was also up 12% on the same four week period. Highlighting the current economic climate, consumers chose not to make the most of the four day weekend abroad, preferring to invest in activities closer to home. Spending on airlines was down 25% in the four weeks running up to Easter, with car rental and hotel spending also down (17% and 8% respectively).

Commenting on the data, Stewart Roberts, Business Development Director at Barclaycard said: “What we have seen this Easter is people spending their hard earned money on the comforts of home. Whether it be house improvements, planning their gardens or just enjoying a meal at home with the family, the reduction in travel spending affirms that consumers are staying closer to home in these turbulent times.”