The Christmas spirit is alive and set to assist with retail spending in 2008, despite the credit crunch, a new survey has shown.

The study, commissioned by online discount retailer mandmdirect.com, explored the habits and spending thoughts of more than 1,000 respondents in the lead up to the Christmas period. The survey questioned respondents on the amounts of money they would spend, what gifts they would buy, where they would do their Christmas shopping and their attitudes on Christmas as a whole.

Key findings of the survey include:
- Mums are top of the list of people included in a Christmas list, registering 85 of the votes
- 72 of voters said buying Christmas gifts makes them happy, while 20 feel Christmas is over-commercialised
- 26 of voters said they would look to save between 50 and 100 this Christmas
- 63, or 804 voters, said they would be spending around the same this Christmas, despite the credit crunch
- 29 of voters will be doing the majority of their shopping for Christmas presents online this year
- A number between 10 and 20 gifts is the total number of presents the majority of voters expect to buy this Christmas
- Friends would be the first group of people struck off a Christmas list, followed by Aunts & Uncles

Credit Crunch Effect
The credit crunch is not having as strong an effect as suspected on the spending habits of the nation for the Christmas period, with 63 of the vote, or 804 respondents, saying they will spend around the same as usual this year. When asked how much they would be looking to save this year, 26 of the vote, or 336 respondents, said between 50 and 100 off their total seasonal spending.

Total Christmas Spend
Looking the credit crunch in the face was 2 of voters, who said they would spend in excess of 5,000 on gifts, food and festivities during Christmas. Spending between 1,000 and 5,000 netted 11 of the vote, while the majority of voters said a figure between 200 and 500 would be their total seasonal spend, with 28 of votes.

Most Popular Gifts
Clothes and accessories are the most popular gifts at Christmas, with 55 of respondents saying these items would be the most likely gifts they would buy. Music / DVD / Entertainment gifts came in at 18, while toys and games registered 14 of the vote. When asked where they would do the majority of their Christmas shopping, 636 respondents, or 50 of the voters said the high street was their most popular location, while online retailers garnered 29, or 372 total votes. Shopping centres came third with 14 of the votes.

Numbers of Presents Expected To Buy
Regarding how many gifts respondents expected to buy, 37 said between 10 and 20, 36 said between five and 10, while 13 expected buy between 20 and 50 gifts. Partners / Husbands / Wives were likely to receive the most expensive gifts, with 45 of the vote, while Aunts & Uncles, Nieces & Nephews and close friends would get the cheapest gifts.

Christmas Lists
Mums were top of the list when it came to people included in a Christmas list with 85 of the vote, followed by Partners / Husbands / Wives and Fathers. Aunts & Uncles were the least important to test respondents. When asked who they would first like to strike off their Christmas list, 593 people voted for their friends, while Aunts & Uncles came second with 324 people, or 25 of voters saying they would not include them in Christmas shopping if they had a choice.

The Overall Concept of Christmas
Looking at the overall idea and concept of Christmas, 36 of respondents feel it is a good way of bringing families together, 24 said it is great fun, 20 feel it is over-commercialised and 11 said it is a nice break. 72 of respondents said buying presents makes them very happy, with 10 saying it makes them happy sometimes.

Steve Robinson, CEO of mandmdirect.com, said the survey demonstrates the market retains some positivity, despite the negative forecasts. "This study shows the UK consumer is committed to giving to their loved ones during the Christmas period. It is encouraging to see people moving towards online shopping for a greater share of their presents - a third of voters will be using their mouse rather than hitting the high street. Retailers need to heed the opportunities by ensuring their ranges, pricing and customer service is of a high standard, as competitors, both on the high street and online, will be ready to pounce."

This survey was conducted by Voxpopuk.com, an online survey and market research organisation.
mandmdirect.com is the UK’s leading online discount fashion, sports and outdoor apparel retailer, with up to 75 off RRP.