South-east lights the way this Xmas, says Homebase

Residents in the South East are the nation’s biggest lovers of Christmas lights, according to home enhancement retailer Homebase.

The chain claims that Sussex and Surrey are the most lit-up regions in the UK, with locals purchasing over 62,000 sets of Christmas lights between them. Looking at the national picture, all of the top five lit-up areas are in the South East, with South London, Kent and Essex following closely behind Surrey and Sussex, having collectively bought almost 160,000 sets of Christmas lights.

Homebase Christmas decoration buyer Lindsay O’Neill said: “Brits are preparing their homes and many are adopting traditions from America and going all-out on Christmas decorations. Last year we sold almost 650,000 Christmas lights, the most popular being a set of 80 bright white multi-functional LED fairy lights. We are expecting another popular year for lighting with around 280,000 sets sold last week alone.

“Whether they choose simple, traditional white lights or something fun and novelty, many of our customers are spreading the festive cheer to the outside of their homes. With our collection ranging from a basic string of LED lights at £1.79 to a reindeer silhouette at £44.99, whether you want simple and understated decorations, or you’d like to make a statement, you can get the look you are after.”

Homebase sells around 38,000 products for the home and garden from 316 large, out-of-town stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland and at www.homebase.co.uk. It is part of Home Retail Group.