Prices of basic products stabilise, but there are significant increases in other categories
According to Dr Wo藕niakowski, the 2025 Christmas basket won't differ significantly in price from last year's. Although Poles declare a desire to save, in practice this mainly translates into maintaining similar spending levels. This is influenced by both inflation and the changing prices of individual product categories.
Some food items, such as fish and butter, have stabilised in price, and in many statistics, have even decreased compared to the previous year. However, other products, especially those strongly associated with the holidays, are significantly more expensive. This applies primarily to sweets, chocolate and coffee. However, these categories remain difficult to eliminate from Christmas shopping, effectively offsetting previous savings.
An increasingly rational approach to grocery shopping
Research cited by Dr Wo藕niakowski indicates a clear shift in consumer mentality. More and more people are moving away from the traditional "save and bet" model that dominated the festive season for years. Consumers are beginning to realistically plan how much food they can use and are refraining from excessive purchases. This more rational shopping model means that grocery spending isn't rising as rapidly as in previous years. However, other areas of the holiday budget are growing.
Gifts remain a priority
Although consumers are planning their grocery shopping more carefully, they aren't skimping on one element of the holidays 鈥� gifts. Most respondents say they're spending similar amounts on gifts as last year. The most common range is 200-400 PLN per child, although the percentage of those spending over 1000 PLN is also noticeable. In many families, this is the result of jointly purchased gifts.
Importantly, this year's spending on helping those in need is also growing significantly. Between 30 and 40 percent of consumers say they're buying gifts not only for loved ones, but also for charitable causes like 鈥淪zlachetna Paczka鈥� (Noble Parcel), collections for shelters, and foundations. According to Dr Wo藕niakowski, this stems both from the improving economic situation of some households and the need to counterbalance their own spending 鈥� a symbolic gesture of sharing.
Christmas bargains 鈥� what to watch out for?
Bargains and shopping incentives become particularly active in the pre-holiday period. Dr Wo藕niakowski emphasises that comparing prices and paying attention to their historical value remains crucial, facilitated by regulations regarding the display of previous prices, such as the so-called omnibus rule.
At the same time, the researcher points out that the closer the holidays get, the harder it is to find real deals. Popular gifts sell out quickly, and many promotions lose their appeal. The situation is different for basic food products. Retail chains use them as so-called magnets to attract customers. Attractive prices for herring or butter increase the likelihood that consumers will also decide to purchase other products, not necessarily those on sale.
The changing landscape of Polish holidays
Dr Mariusz Wo藕niakowski's analysis shows that while holiday spending remains stable, its structure and the way purchasing decisions are being made are changing significantly. Poles are increasingly consciously planning their grocery shopping, while placing greater emphasis on gifts and charitable giving. As a result, the holidays remain a time for intense shopping, but also for greater reflection on their purpose and meaning.
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Centre for Brand Communications, 91滴滴