Shopper Data Group today released findings from a national survey that revealed almost half of all Australian shoppers will be plating up a traditional hot meal this Christmas, and despite their best intentions, they will be shopping for last minute items on Christmas Eve.

Over 14,600 Australian shoppers participated in the survey that found 39 per cent of Australian shoppers would be sending Santa on his way this Christmas Eve with a beer or a tipple of whiskey.

Shopper Data Group, the new research division of Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) media business Shopper Media Group, captures behavioural data on shoppers and provides bespoke research capabilities via it’s Smartlite digital panels .  When shoppers opt into the free Wi-Fi offered in over 200 shopping centres nationally, they are asked specific questions that reveal compelling insights.

Here are some of the top line findings for Christmas 2016:

• 46 per cent of Australian shoppers will be serving a traditional hot meal this Christmas, with a further 23 per cent  plating up a combination of hot and seafood.  Only 18 per cent will be dining out on just seafood and salad despite Australia’s hot climate.
• 45 per cent of Australian shoppers admit that they will be doing some last minute shopping this Christmas Eve.
• 22 per cent of Aussie shoppers are unsure if they will be hitting the shops on Christmas Eve but 32 per cent are adamant they will be giving the shops a wide berth.
• 43 per cent of Aussie shoppers have budgeted up to $100 on food this Christmas Day, while 28 per cent plan to spend in the range of $100 – $300, and 12 per cent $300 – $600.
• 9 per cent of Aussie shoppers either have big families or lavish tastes as they plan to spend over $900 on food for Christmas Day.
• 47 per cent of Aussie shoppers aim to spend up to $100 on presents on each child and/or partner.
• 15 per cent will spend in the range of $100 – $200 on presents for each child and /or partner, with 18 per cent spending over $200 each.
• 39 per cent of Aussies are embracing Christmas cheer leaving out either a beer (26 per cent) or whiskey (13 per cent) for Santa this Christmas.
• 61 per cent of Aussies have taken a more sensible approach with Santa behind the wheel of the sleigh, leaving out milk (29 per cent), food (18 per cent) and carrots for the reindeer (18 per cent).