With research revealing that nearly a third (31%) of Brits kick off their festive shopping in November, Outlet Shopping at The O2 is putting the “X” into Xmas, teaming up with a mathematician and shopping productivity expert to create the foolproof formula for nailing Christmas shopping.

According to the experts, the secret to stress-free, accomplished Christmas shopping lies in smart preparation, location and route, prioritising recipients, and treating yourself along the way.

Created by mathematician Andrew Jeffrey, and using expert intel from a shopping productivity guru, the (very festive) ingredients that make up the formula include: comfort (C); self-care (S); money management (M); accessibility (A); and preparation (P).  

 

Mathematician Andrew Jeffrey commented, "It might not be the first thing most people think that maths could be useful for, but it turns out that even the annual challenge of Christmas Shopping can be made less stressful by the application of some basic mathematics!”

 

It seems the festive formula might be giving men the biggest helping hand, with 1 in 5 (19%) admitting they leave their Christmas shopping to December, whilst women embrace their inner shopping Dasher with only 9% of women admitting the same. But no matter whether you’re a last-minute lurker or a well-prepared gifting guru, this handy formula is here to help you tame the holiday madness and make Christmas shopping a merry breeze.      

 

Andrew devised the formula in conjunction with shopping productivity guru Juliet Landau-Pope, who shares her top tips that helped to bring the science to life. Advice includes:

 

1. Dress for success (and comfort) – Glamour is great, we all love a bit of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Devil Wears Prada, but heels and tiny handbags won’t help you conquer the Christmas crowds. Comfy shoes, light layers, and minimal fuss = your shopping superpowers.
2. Pace yourself – Marathon shoppers need fuel. Even Santa needs a break. Grab a coffee, plop down for a mini breather, or just inhale deeply - your feet (and sanity) will thank you.
3. Budget like a boss – Set your spending limit and don’t forget to pencil in coffee, snacks, and that emergency chocolate. Hunt online for deals, vouchers, and loyalty perks before you go, and remember that with outlet locations such as Outlet Shopping at The O2 you can gift for less with up to 70% off RRP – getting you more bang for your buck!
4. Accessibility is everything – Easy transport, clear signage, and handy amenities mean less stress, more shopping, and more time to enjoy the festive fun.
5. Know before you go – You wouldn’t set off on a road trip without a plan, so don’t do it for Christmas shopping. Map your route, snag the best parking, and pick the entrance closest to the good stuff. Got a Blue Badge? Check availability and make life easier before you even leave the house.
6. Shop smart – Save your brain cells. List your gifts, group them like Santa’s elves would, and pick your top three VIPs (Very Important Presents). Plan your route wisely to avoid backtracking.  
7. Pack like a pro – Bring the essentials: phone charger, water, snacks and plenty of shopping bags – you’ll especially need them for the sheer amount of stocking stuffers you can get from places like Outlet Shopping at The O2.
8. Ditch the kids – Sometimes the fastest way to conquer Christmas shopping is solo. Grab a babysitter or a friend to mind the little ones whilst you lace up your shopping shoes and reclaim your sanity (and your speed).
9. Make it social – Can’t get a babysitter to look after the kids? Go with friends and family! Decide when to stick together and when to scatter like festive ninjas. Pick meet-up spots, and sneak in some fun distractions to keep everyone (mostly) sane.
10. Foodie hack – Don’t let hunger derail your shopping spree. Scout cafés and restaurants in advance, book early if you’re rolling with a group, and peek at menus for dietary options—happy tummies = happy shoppers.

 

Juliet Landau-Pope, shopping productivity expert, added: “The formula for a positive shopping experience is about planning, prioritising and preparing in advance. Getting organised will ensure you ace your festive shop.”

 

Louisa Dalgleish, Outlet Shopping at The O_2, commented: “Christmas shopping can be stressful, but with a touch of science it can be a joyful experience. Our festive formula shows that with the right preparation and shopping destination; you can nail a Christmas shopping trip that even Santa would be jealous of. With easy transport links and over 60 superstar brands to choose from, shoppers can gift more for less at Outlet Shopping at The O2. Across the site, we have plenty of restaurants and leisure entertainment, so it's the perfect location to test out the shopping formula this Christmas."

 

With the festive season just around the corner, Outlet Shopping at The O2 is inviting shoppers to put the formula to the test and take the stress out of Christmas gift hunting. Whether you’re ticking off your list solo, enjoying a day out with friends, or simply treating yourself along the way, this scientific approach ensures every visit is productive, enjoyable and full of festive cheer.

 

Located just 15 minutes from central London, Outlet Shopping at The O2 is home to 60+ brands with up to 70% off RRP, including adidas, Calvin Klein, Levi’s, kate spade new york, Kurt Geiger, Nike, The Cosmetics Company Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and more. You can make a full day of your Christmas shopping all under the one roof, with over 30 bars and restaurants, several interactive bars and attractions, including Cineworld, Hollywood Bowl, TOCA Social and more. Find out more about planning your visit to The O2 at www.theo2.co.uk