Christmas is here. How are you approaching the festive season? The holidays – the most anticipated shopping seasons – will arrive with fun and fury. It can get dirty in December. No matter how the seasons turn, are you ready? The retailers are waiting. The temperatures are rising. Prices are surging. Are you ready? Reports indicate that holiday shopping in 2025 is looking a little different from years before. What will happen?
On the one hand
A recent PwC’s 2025 Holiday Outlook survey predicted the first decline in holiday spending since 2020, as consumers expect their seasonal spending to average a 5% decline from 2024.
On the other hand
The same survey expected an 8.4% cutback in spending over the next six months. It cited rising prices. New tariffs. Higher cost of living. For this reason, shoppers would expect discounts this season.
In the long term
In terms of value, different payment options will add seasoning to the season. For example, alternative payment methods have become popular among shoppers. Many Nigerians are spending via digital payment methods already. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services are in. Digital wallets are thriving. Nigerians are sophisticated. As such, they have embraced alternative payment modes.
They will make payment from any device, anywhere and with multiple payment systems. Retailers – online shopping malls and physical markets [do not forget the mom-and-pop shops] – are willing and ready to meet customers’ expectations. That is one of the ways to win the loyalty of the shoppers. The other day, I was at a nondescript shop, and the owner had the ubiquitous PoS machine. You would not expect such a shop owner to own such a machine.
Well, in the midst of innovation and many payment options, a challenge lingers. Security of online shoppers and network availability are top priorities. Retailers may provide customers with the convenience of multiple payment options. Retailers may not provide online security and network assurance. This is a challenge to online and physical shoppers. If the poor network arises at the point of making a funds transfer in a physical shop, you would be stuck. While you are out shopping during this festive season, have a backup plan.
I have witnessed some smart physical sales outlets with Wi-Fi. These outlets allow bulk buyers to use the facility at the point of funds transfer [if the buyers experience a network hiccup]. This is a creative way. Whatever you do, have a backup. It can be dirty in December.
In the short term
The purchasing power of shoppers may soar in December, reports said consumers would exercise caution in 2026.
*Olaegbe ([email protected])
READ ALSO:
Second missionary journey, By Funke Egbemode
AFCON finals: Ekong, Osimhen, 52 others in provisional squad
Remembrance day: Tinubu, NASS, FCT donate to Nigeria Legion
IPI lists IG, two governors in Book of Infamy, honours DSS DG
We’ll fiercely resist further attacks on Nigerian journalists —IPI
BREAKING: Tinubu nominates Gen Chris Musa Minister of Defence
Amb Isola mourns passing of richest man in Britain, Hinduja
Naira slightly depreciates by 0.1% against dollar
Ex-CDS, retired Gen Christopher Musa, meets Tinubu
SNEPCo wins SERAS awards for Health/Wellbeing as Vision First initiative reaches thousands
