Shopping month amid the cost of living crisis: Israelis are afraid to open their wallets

A new survey by the Histadrut Consumer Protection Authority reveals that 48% of Israelis are likely to forgo purchases due to the high cost of living, and 50% do not trust November sales. 63% of shoppers plan to spend only up to 1,000 shekels.

A new survey by the Histadrut Consumer Protection Authority, conducted by Geocartography Institute among 501 respondents, reveals that the high cost of living is significantly affecting Israelis' purchasing intentions ahead of November sales. About 48% of consumers are likely to forgo some planned purchases due to the economic situation. 68% delayed purchases to wait for sales, but 44% of respondents said they could afford only some of the products or would have to give up entirely. Among those intending to buy, 63% estimate they will spend only up to 1,000 shekels. The most sought-after categories are fashion and footwear (68%), electronics (48%), and home and design products (43%). The survey also raises suspicion about the sales: 50% of respondents do not trust the discounts offered. 94% check shipping costs and 75% examine cancellation and return policies. Additionally, 60% reported having previously received a product of lower quality than expected, a 7% increase compared to last year.