|
Christmas it seems will bring no joyful tidings to the owners of retail outlets and catering outlets, a MaltaToday survey has shown, with respondents saying they are spending less money on presents and choosing to stay at home on Christmas day, a sign that the imposition of a 55 per cent electricity surcharge has removed the yuletide season’s sparkle, at least for retailers looking forward for a boost to their sales in December.
Over one-third of respondents, 37.4 per cent will spend less this Christmas, while just 6.1 per cent say they will spend more on presents – but 13.8 per cent will imitate Scrooge’s example by spending nothing on presents. Another 38 per cent will spend the same amount as last year on presents.
Catering establishments have less reason to rejoice as more people will be staying at home on Christmas day. Last year 12 per cent celebrated Christmas lunch in a catering establishment. But this year only 5.1 per cent will be doing likewise, according to respondents to the MaltaToday survey.
To the detriment of tour operators and airlines, less people will be celebrating Christmas abroad than last year. In fact the number of people spending Christmas abroad will decrease by more than half.
Respondents who last week said they would vote for the Malta Labour Party or Alternattiva Demokratika if an election were to be held soon, will be more stingy than PN supporters.
While 13.6 of PN supporters will be spending more money on presents than last year, only two per cent of MLP supporters will be doing likewise.
On the other hand while 58 per cent of MLP supporters will be spending less than last year, only 19.3 of PN supporters will be doing likewise. It is uncertain whether PN supporters are either relatively well off, or Labour and AD supporters are more gloomy during this year’s festive season.
jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt
|
