Christmas might be known as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but new research shows the reality for many Brits is far from merry. According to fresh findings from PizzaExpress, the nation is losing more than a full day to festive admin — and most of us are officially over it.
With 33% calling wrapping their biggest seasonal headache and nearly two-thirds (62%) admitting Christmas has become “more stress than sparkle,” PizzaExpress is stepping in with a nationwide rescue mission: the Christmas Concierge, a free gift-wrapping service launching across select UK restaurants this December.
What Is the PizzaExpress Christmas Concierge?
Starting this December, selected PizzaExpress locations will transform into festive lifesavers. Shoppers can simply drop off their Christmas presents, sit down for classics like Dough Balls and their favourite pizza, and then pick up their beautifully wrapped gifts — complete with exclusive PizzaExpress-themed wrapping paper — at no extra cost.
PizzaExpress is adding even more seasonal support with an in-store Christmas card-writing station, stocked with pizza and Dough Ball–inspired cards. Perfect for anyone who suddenly remembers — usually at 10pm on 20 December — that they still haven’t done the cards before Royal Mail’s last post deadline.
Why Brits Need the Help
The research reveals just how real the festive panic really is:
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43% say deciding what to buy is their biggest struggle
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53% admit they often forget a gift until the last minute
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21% leave all their shopping until the final days
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Nearly nine in ten (87%) say they’d outsource festive chores if they could
What people want most isn’t more stuff — it’s time.
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33% wish for more time to relax
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29% crave more time with family and friends
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40% say quality time with loved ones is their number-one Christmas wish
It’s no wonder that sharing a meal remains the UK’s favourite way to connect (65%), making PizzaExpress — one of the nation’s most iconic high street restaurants — the ideal brand to step in.
PizzaExpress on Why They’re Doing It
Paula MacKenzie, CEO at PizzaExpress, explained the motivation behind the Christmas Concierge:
“Christmas should be about spending time together, but our research shows just how much pressure people feel and how many hours get lost to festive tasks. We wanted to give families the gift of presence and so Christmas Concierge is our way of taking some of that pressure off their plate. While you enjoy a delicious catch up with family or friends, we’ll take care of the wrapping – giving you one less thing to think about this December.”
Where & When You Can Use the Christmas Concierge
The service will run on 6, 13 and 20 December at the following PizzaExpress locations:
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London – Westfield (White City)
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Cardiff – St David’s Shopping Centre
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Birmingham – Bullring
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Manchester – Trafford Centre
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Livingston – Designer Outlet
