| Christmas Spending Survey 2008 This year’s MSI Global Alliance Christmas survey, conducted among more than 750 Australian and Despite the current economic climate, most Australian companies are still choosing to celebrate the festive season like they have in previous years. The survey indicated a strong sense that the business climate is going to worsen in 2009 but that many companies, especially in However, while 23% of survey respondents said they will spend more on their Christmas party this year than in 2007, 19% said they will spend less, with the key reason for belt tightening being the economic climate. “We think it’s inappropriate to be spending significant amounts on a lavish affair in the current climate……people will understand that costs needed to be cut.” Key results also showed that: · The majority (56%) of Australian businesses will spend between $1,000-$5,000 on their Christmas party, with 3% spending more than $250,000; · In only 11% of cases staff need to make a contribution to their Christmas party, with 86% of businesses funding the total event; · 65% of companies allow staff to bring partners along to the party – a 5% fall from 2007; and · 39% of companies will present gifts to staff -only a 1% fall from 2007. There were mixed feelings on the current economic climate with: · 36% saying their company has recently consciously cut costs; · 36% saying their company has not recently cut costs; and · 16% saying they have not cut costs but intend to in 2009. Overall, respondents believe that the retail and construction/property development sectors would be most affected by the economic downturn. In terms of consumer spending, 65% of females and 73% of males said they will spend the same on Christmas gifts in 2008 as 2007. 8% of men said they will spend more and 26% of women said they will spend less. The results showed that clothing is the top rated Christmas purchase for both men and women, with books, toys and food/confectionary as other popular items. MSI spokesman Charles Hornor commented that “While business communities and consumers in Australia and New Zealand are expecting challenging times ahead, it appears that many companies are yet to feel the real impact and are maintaining spending and celebrating while they still can. “ When asked what they most wanted Santa Claus to bring their business this Christmas, popular responses were ‘more work’, ‘profit’, ‘economic stability’, ‘new clients’ and ‘more time’. One participant saw the lighter side saying: ‘It’s Christmas, so we’d like a goose. But preferably one that lays golden eggs’. |