
Chinese consumers are splurging—but probably not for long
IN THE West the shopping calendar is organised around the birthday of Jesus Christ. In China it is shaped by the birthday of JD.com. That giant e-commerce firm, established on June 18th 1998, introduced the '618' shopping festival in honour of its founding. The festival offers discounts and other enticements to shoppers in the run-up to the big day. But just as Christmas decorations seem to appear earlier each year, the 618 festival keeps starting sooner. This year's promotion began on May 13th, a week earlier than in 2024.
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Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Scotsman
More than a third of adults have already started budgeting for Christmas
A third began thinking about preparing for Christmas as early as January 2025 | SWNS More than a third of adults have already started budgeting for Christmas – despite it being six months away. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas revealed 36 per cent have financial plans in place – including for presents, family outings and outfits for seasonal parties. Nearly half (46 per cent) are saving supermarket loyalty points for the big shop and 33 per cent are using cashback apps to make the most of their spending. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Others are shopping in sales (38 per cent) and buying things in bulk (29 per cent) to make sure they have extra money for Christmas 2025. In fact, a third (32 per cent) began thinking about preparing for Christmas as early as January 2025, putting aside an average of £63 a month to fund their festivities. Nearly half of those (45 per cent) like to do this because it spreads the cost across throughout the year and 44 per cent just like to feel prepared. While 79 per cent think forward planning is the only way to make it through the festive season without breaking the bank. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The research found 36 per cent are already preparing for winter bills, by setting aside additional cash in the summer to help pay for energy as the weather gets colder. Many are also tightening control of their household bills, with 58 per cent of those with a smart meter using their in-home display to track their energy use and help with budgeting. Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research, said 'The research clearly shows that, for many, a perfect Christmas is worth planning for. "As well as helping to ensure a smooth Christmas day, planning ahead and budgeting are great ways to help you manage your finances across the year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "A smart meter can really help with this as it ensures you receive accurate, not estimated bills. "For those on prepay, you get additional benefits such as the ability to top up from home and more easily check your remaining credit.' The research also found those who celebrate Christmas are expecting to attend an average of three celebrations and are anticipating buying 12 presents for friends and family. But one in five have even started stocking up on gifts, while 13 per cent have already snapped up discounted seasonal greetings cards and wrapping paper. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And a tenth have started buying new decorations for December. The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 36 per cent will be cutting back on other areas of their life to ensure they have enough money to fund Christmas – with 43 per cent claiming it's worth doing this to have a perfect yuletide. Personal finance expert Lynn Beattie, AKA Mrs Mummypenny, who is working with Smart Energy GB, said: 'Spreading the cost of Christmas throughout the year is a great way to minimise spending in December and help you enjoy the festive season. 'There are lots of things you can be doing in the run up, such as keeping a monthly tally of your outgoings, shopping in the sales and looking for bargains.' 36 per cent are also preparing for winter bills, by setting aside additional cash in the summer to help pay for energy as the weather gets colder | SWNS Mrs Mummypenny's top tips to save for Christmas:


Economist
7 hours ago
- Economist
Chinese consumers are splurging—but probably not for long
IN THE West the shopping calendar is organised around the birthday of Jesus Christ. In China it is shaped by the birthday of That giant e-commerce firm, established on June 18th 1998, introduced the '618' shopping festival in honour of its founding. The festival offers discounts and other enticements to shoppers in the run-up to the big day. But just as Christmas decorations seem to appear earlier each year, the 618 festival keeps starting sooner. This year's promotion began on May 13th, a week earlier than in 2024.

The National
9 hours ago
- The National
Aberdeen weekend night bus services to return
Aberdeen City Council announced it has awarded First Bus a contract to provide services for five routes from the city centre on weekends from the evening of Friday, June 27, for the next three years. The reintroduction of the night bus services follows on from the successful pilot service over the 2024 festive season. All services will operate on Friday night and early Saturday morning and Saturday night and early Sunday morning only, from midnight to approximately 3.30am. READ MORE: Police Scotland urged to reject 'misogynistic' pregnancy loss guidance Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard welcomed the news as he said it will help support businesses in the area and will give people more choice on how they will get home. He said: 'The return of the night buses will be welcomed by businesses in the city centre and are part of our Purple Flag status for city centre safety and vibrancy. 'The Aberdeen City Council move will help to support businesses by giving people another transport option for getting home.' The night bus services will be funded by bus lane enforcement revenue. The local authority said single fares will apply on the service and that people will be allowed to use both concessionary and Under 22's National Entitlement Cards on the service. (Image: Norman Adams) Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill added the service will be launched in time for the popular Tall Ship Races which is due to set sail from Saturday, July 19, to Tuesday July 22. He said: 'The night bus service over Christmas and New Year was popular. I am delighted the City Council is bringing night bus services back year-round. These services being in place in time for the Tall Ships arriving in the city is a real bonus. 'Over the Tall Ships weekend, many more people than normal are expected to be enjoying the cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the city centre. The night buses will provide safe and efficient transport for visitors to our city centre. 'I hope as many people as possible take advantage of this cost-effective and safe transport to get home.' The routes announced for the service are as follows: N1, City Centre (Alford Place) – Danestone, via Seaton; Dubford and Ashwood N17, City Centre (Union Terrace) – Inverurie, via Great Northern Road, Bucksburn & Dyce N23, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Kingswells, via Summerhill and Sheddocksley N201, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Banchory, via Mannofield; Cults; Bieldside; Milltimber; and Peterculter N18, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Cove/Charleston via Kincorth. David Adam, head of operations at First Bus Aberdeen, welcomed the new service as he said: 'We are delighted to be working with Aberdeen City Council to launch this night bus service in Aberdeen, making it easier for people to get home later in the night, while continuing to support local businesses in the city. 'It's important people have the confidence they will be able to get home safely and affordably when going to enjoy a meal, some drinks or a night out at one of the fantastic venues in the city centre. We hope the introduction of the new night bus routes will do just that.'