Four-fifths of Hungarians buy gifts 1-2 weeks before Christmas

In December last year, Hungarian consumers purchased 223 billion HUF in domestic retail trade, which is 10 percent of total annual turnover, 3 percent more than a year before. 83 percent of Hungarians buy their gift packages 1-2 weeks before Christmas, typically for family members – according to Nielsen’s nationwide research on gift packages. Hypermarkets are the big winners of the holiday season.

One fifth of total retail spending (421 billion HUF) is concentrated on the festive period, from November to December; four-fifths of this is food, according to the Nielsen Retail Index. In terms of store selection, hypermarkets play a prominent role during the holidays, with 27 percent of value added generated during the holiday season. (Nielsen)