Consumers will scale back this Christmas

A new survey has revealed how during the festive period people will not be eating out as much as they did over Christmas last year.

Nearly three quarters (74%) of consumers claim the credit crunch has hit their dining out plans for Christmas and New Year – with 81% of respondents expecting to dine out less this year, compared to 2007.

The research, commissioned by Hi-Life, one of the UK's largest dining club, polled 2,000 consumers across the UK to assess the state of the nation's eating out habits this Christmas.

Over 90% of consumers said they'd be enjoying Christmas dinner at home this year, instead of enjoying the luxury of dining out.

The findings revealed that while the majority were scaling back on festivities, nearly a quarter of consumers (23%) were adamant the credit crunch would have no impact on their dining out plans – with an estimated 8% committed to enjoying Christmas lunch in a restaurant.

It appears many diners are also going to see how the festive mood takes them, with 17% saying they are just 'not sure' if it's going to be a 'cut back' Christmas or whether they will dine out more or less frequently, compared to this time last year.

David Heeley, Company President of Hi-Life, whose 130,000 members enjoy two-for-one priced meals in its 3,000 partner restaurants across the UK, said: "We have to accept that it's a credit crunch Christmas this year and many consumers are scaling back their plans across the board – from the Christmas presents under the tree to the extent to which they dine out with family and friends.

"The research shows that while consumers are feeling the pinch and trimming back their dining out engagements, there's a militant minority (23%) who claim the current economic climate will have no impact at all. Dining is seen as a luxury purchase and one which will be culled during economic downturns. However, it's surprising to see so many scaling back their plans for what is the busiest dining period of the year.

"It's now up to restaurants to ensure their offer is competitive and provides excellent value for money to win the consumer vote this Christmas."

Words: Clare Riley

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