Central England Co-op has revealed the top 10 items that shoppers forget and rush to buy in the final few hours before shops close on Christmas Eve.
Market research from the retailer has analysed December 24 sales for the past several years to find out the items that people realise they cannot enjoy Christmas Day without.
Data shows that sales of these items – which range from Christmas dinner essentials to lemon and limes – peak late in the day on Christmas Eve as customers remember they have forgotten that one vital ingredient that makes everything tick on the big day.
Unsurprisingly, Co-operative Prosecco and mince pies were the most popular items on 24 December, with the rest of the top 10 filled out with items that people often forget or do not realise that they have run out of.
Staple Christmas Day items including sprouts, gravy granules and foil for the turkey fly off the shelves as customers rush to make sure that nothing can ruin their big dinner.
Bacon also features highly as meat lovers treat themselves to a special breakfast while youngsters wake early to open their presents.
Essentials such as batteries and sellotape also run close to selling out due to last minute present wrapping and preparation for the unwrapping of electronic toys.
The last two items to fill out the top 10 are lemons and limes as people enjoy a festive tipple and Christmas crackers for those who want to make sure the days goes with a bang.
A spokesperson for Central England Co-op said, “This fascinating insight showcases how easy it is for us all to forget one vital item and have to rush out and stock up on Christmas Eve.
“We work hard at Central England Co-op to ensure that our shelves are stocked full of all the everyday essentials to make sure the big day is a success, alongside a range of great treats to make the festive season extra special.
“Central England Co-op also aims to cut the stress out of Christmas and cut out any last minute panics by staying open late to offer everything shoppers need.
“So even if people do forget their festive favourites – or their everyday essentials - customers should be confident help is at hand right up until the last minute on Christmas Eve and throughout the festive season at Central England Co-op stores.”
On Christmas Eve, all convenience stores will be open until 8pm.