Cost Of Living Crisis Disrupting Christmas Festivities

London, 16th December 2022 –  Requests for the delivery of Christmas-related items have dropped almost 50% so far this year when compared to 2021; further evidence that consumers are not in the typical spending mindset this Christmas period.

The cost of living continues to increase this Winter, leaving people worried about just what they will be able to afford over the festive season – traditionally a period of excess. With Christmas day fast approaching, consumers are keen to avoid spending where they can, meaning gifts, decorations, and even the Christmas dinner itself may look a bit different this year. Data from Shiply shows that despite a steady increase in the moving of Christmas items on their platform in the past few years, 2022 looks set to experience a 46% drop, no doubt caused by people feeling the squeeze.

Robert Matthams, the founder of Shiply, noted on the cost of living crisis that ‘whilst it is hopefully not affecting the public’s festive spirit, it is understandably having an effect on how much they feel they can budget this Christmas.’

Shiply, used by several million customers since 2008, allows users to list items that they need moving and receive multiple quotes from rated transport companies to move their items. 

Prices can be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates as drivers are typically already making similar journeys and are trying to fill up space in their vehicles.

Shiply, founded in 2008, is an online transport marketplace that matches people needing to move goods with transport companies going there anyway. It is estimated that over 25% of lorries and vans run empty of cargo and 50% run only part-full in the UK. By making use of this spare capacity, Shiply dramatically cuts down on wasteful CO2 emissions whilst also increasing the profitability of transport companies and offering up to 75% off standard rates for consumers/SME’s.