No more jocks and socks for today’s dads. Yes, the old default ‘bloke’ present just won’t cut it these days, says QUT consumer expert Dr Gary Mortimer.
“Instead think gourmet BBQ marinades, traditional boiled candies and spiced beer nuts,” Dr Mortimer said.
“The giving and sharing of food at Christmas time with family and friends is a long-held tradition.
“And retailers know it – that’s why gourmet, unique, bespoke, localised food offerings, all beautifully packaged adorn shelves of department stores and supermarkets.
“Our own Target recently launched The Fabulous Food Company offering gourmet items, joining the likes of the UK’s Waitrose and John Lewis stores, which are all tapping into this trend more than ever before.
“This is a time where our food shopping focuses on exclusive brands and premium quality, not everyday low prices.
“We see supermarkets teaming up with internationally renowned chefs to showcase their very best fare.
“No wonder the Australian Retailers Association predicts our Christmas food spending will be $19 billion, up 2.5 per cent on last year.”
Dr Mortimer said Christmas was also a time we treated ourselves foodwise too.
“We are entertaining friends and family or ‘bringing something’ to Christmas parties, so nuts, chips, soft drinks and confectionery top the grocery list this time of year.
“Fresh food, seafood, dairy, hams, alcohol and other groceries, will be cleared from supermarket shelves for the ‘big day’ this week.
“But it’s not just provisioning for the day, many people top up the pantry and freezer to tide them over while stores are closed.”
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT Media, 07 3138 2999 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au.
After hours: Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
