Pubs and restaurants have been told to expect a drop in the amount of money customers spend with them this Christmas as diners cut back on socialising.
Deloitte’s 14th annual Christmas Retail Survey found that cash strapped consumers will be making their biggest cutbacks on socialising with plans to spend an average of £126 each – a 12 per cent drop on last year.
However, the survey found that spending levels differ around the country. While the average spend in the North East will be £90 each, those in London plan to spend £158.
Age also bears a relation to how much consumers will spend with the 35-44 age group planning to spend the most with an average spend of £161. Older customers will spend the less with the over 65s planning to spend just £74 each.
Glyn Bunting, partner in the hospitality & leisure team at Deloitte said: “Whilst consumers do not seem to be spending less when they go out, they are going out less frequently. This in turn is driving people to branded outlets where there is a guarantee of consistency in the value and quality of food. Additionally, consumers are taking advantage of the many promotions that the big brand restaurants are offering.
“Accordingly, the pubs and restaurants sector has a renewed focus on value for money and quality of food offering. Wet-led pubs are suffering at the moment, following the poor weather over the summer with the absence of a food offering over the festive period.”
Region Average socialising spend
Scotland - £137
Northern Ireland - £155
North East - £90
North West - £112
Yorks/Humberside - £112
Midlands - £135
Wales - £99
South East - £127
Greater London - £158
South West - †£97
Gender 2008 2007
Male £152 £178
Female £101 £109
Age
16-24 - £119
25-34 - £152
35-44 - £161
45-54 £131
55-64 £101
65 £74
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