Buenos Aires, December 2, 2025 (NA) – A national survey on year-end consumption habits reveals that 74% of respondents prioritize promotions and discounts when making their Christmas shopping. Far behind are those who seek financing in installments (9%) and those who take advantage of benefits for payment with debit or QR (7%). According to the survey conducted by Focus Market for the Hablemos de plata blog by Naranja X, Christmas decoration registered a year-on-year increase of 12%, while the increase in the basket reaches 27%. In decoration, there are significant differences in prices. Nine-piece nativity scenes (+28%), warm LED light sets (+27%), and green garlands (+18%) lead the increases; while some products became cheaper compared to last year, such as Christmas crowns (-17%) and sets of 24 ornaments (-29%). The total cost of the eight items measured rose from $377,504 to $423,955. These are limited variations, with strong differences depending on the type of product and its origin. Focus Market's director, Damian Di Pace, interpreted that these variations respond to an economic context that shows signs of realignment. "The relative stability in the prices of Christmas products reflects the competitive pressure between businesses and a still-contained consumption. It is positive data that some categories remain below the average inflation, which could favor a season with greater accessibility for consumers," he stated.
Traditional Items
The study analyzed 20 traditional holiday items —from pan dulce, cider, and turrones— and detected that the three products that increased the most within the basket are imported. The Spanish nut cake (+47%), the fruit pan dulce (+44%), and the soft almond turron (+38%) lead the increases in the food segment; while the chocolate chip pan dulce (+9%), the peanut candies (+7%), and the champagne (+1%) are among those with the least variation. Overall, the average value of the 12 products surveyed rose from $75,013 in 2024 to $95,401 in 2025.
Prices Influenced by Imports
These differences between the decoration and food segments are also explained by the presence of imported products and movements in supply. In decoration items, the market opening contributed to moderating prices in several categories, while foreign-origin foods continued to show greater sensitivity to the exchange rate and stock availability. Meanwhile, regarding consumption habits for these Holidays, in addition to the priority given to promotions and discounts, and the diversity in payment methods, it is marked that purchases are concentrated in the short term: 44% start them a week before, 27% a month before, and 21% wait for the weekend prior to the holidays. As for the payment method, 61% finance their purchases with a credit card, 16% wait for their bonus to be paid, and 12% use returns from interest-bearing accounts.
A More Cautious Public
This behavior, according to Di Pace, reflects a more cautious public: "The focus of consumers on promotions and financing shows a more mature and competitive market. Commercial strategies that offer attractive discounts and accessible payment plans will be key to dynamizing sales and taking advantage of the holiday spirit without losing sight of the economic reality." Overall, the results of the report show a Christmas scenario where price variations remain contained, according to the Focus Market analysis, with a consumer attentive to value and a demand that defines its purchases with little anticipation. A panorama that combines moderation with expectations of a more dynamic commercial activity in the final stretch of the year.
