Data: The categories shoppers plan to splurge and save on in 2025

Overall, 21% of UK consumers will cut their spending on entertainment and eating out in the next six months, while 15% will do so on fashion. This is followed by 14% of consumers who will not make any cuts across any categories.  

These were the findings from research with 1,000 UK consumers in Retail Week’s annual How They’ll Spend It report, published in partnership with SheerID and Vypr. 

However, the picture is not so clear-cut.  

For example, entertainment and eating out was found to be the top spending priority for consumers aged 35-44 (20%), 45-54 (23%) and 55-64 (26%). 

Fashion, likewise, was the top spending priority for consumers aged 25-34 (18%) and the second-biggest priority for consumers aged 35-44 (16%) and 45-54 (17%).  

An opportunity for grocers and dine-at-home options?  

The report found that many people are looking to replace the expenditure of eating out with cheaper options. Consumers who plan on going out less gave statements about what they would do instead, which should provide an incentive for the retail industry. 

From “watch more films at home and buy takeaway meals from the supermarket” and “entertain at home more”, to “buying store food to cook at home” and “just stay in more”, the selection of answers given shows there is a gap to fill for quick-thinking food and entertainment retailers that can find creative and cost-effective ways of getting their goods into the hands of more home-anchored consumers. 

“We plan on spending less on meals out and more on making better-quality meals at home,” said one consumer. “We plan on spending less on nights out and fewer trips to the cinema too, due to the increasing cost of living.” 

Sainsbury’s is already looking to take advantage of this situation, and in May 2024 it extended the range of products under its partnership with meal kit provider SimplyCook, while also teaming up with Gousto to sell food ingredients boxes.