Christmas spending is predicted to be tight and light on tinsel for many New Zealanders because of tough economic times.
A Consumer Credit Expectations survey by Dun and Bradstreet shows more than two thirds of people are less likely to spend on non-essentials or big ticket items.
The survey is based on December projections and shows that 54% are worried about their current financial situation, up 5% on December last year.
Dun and Bradstreet general manager John Scott says it found that 63% of people intend to avoid making major purchases, with about the same amount less likely to use credit or a loan to buy things in comparison with last year.
The survey was conducted online with 930 people aged 18 to 64 years old between 10 and 17 September.
The survey also found that nearly one in four people would be unable to survive for longer than a month on their savings if they lost their job tomorrow.
However, the Retailers Association questions the accuracy of the survey and says Christmas shoppers often buy on emotion.
