Cost of Living Forces 48% of Israelis to Cut Back on November Sales
A new survey by the Israel Consumer Council reveals that 48% of Israelis will skip planned November purchases due to the high cost of living, with 63% limiting budgets to 1,000 NIS amid deep consumer skepticism.
November traditionally marks the peak of the global shopping season, but Israel's current economic climate is rewriting the rules for consumers. A special survey conducted by the Israel Consumer Council via the Geocartography Institute among 501 respondents aged 18 and over highlights how the high cost of living continues to heavily dictate public purchasing habits.
According to the data, approximately 48% of Israelis expect to forgo some planned purchases during November sales events specifically due to financial constraints. The reality presents a complex picture: while 68% of respondents reported delaying purchases in anticipation of November discounts to save money, about 44% stated that their economic situation would allow them to afford only a fraction of desired items or force them to abandon shopping entirely.
Cautious Budgets and Popular Categories
Even among consumers planning to make purchases this month, wallets remain tightly sealed. Around 63% plan to spend up to 1,000 NIS. Among the most sought-after categories during November sales, fashion and footwear lead at 68%, followed by electronics and computing at 48%, and home goods and design at 34%.
Alongside budget limits, the survey reveals a deep-seated crisis of trust toward retailers. Half of the respondents (50%) stated they do not trust advertised promotions. This skepticism drives measured behavior: 39% noted that price is the primary consideration when choosing a purchasing platform, while 34% prioritize site reliability.
Vigilance and Shipping Costs
Consumers are closely scrutinizing trading terms as well. No less than 94% check shipping costs before buying, and 75% examine return and cancellation policies in advance. This caution stems from past disappointments, with 60% reporting they previously received products of lower quality than expected—a 7% increase compared to last year. Consequently, 62% indicated that the product's country of origin influences their purchasing decisions.
The survey also examined public attitudes toward taxation on international packages. Some 39% estimated that maintaining the VAT exemption up to $75 would lead them to reduce purchasing volume, while an overwhelming majority of 72% believe the state should raise the exemption threshold to $150 to directly ease the family shopping basket.
Expert Recommendations for Smart Shopping
Yaron Levinson, CEO of the Israel Consumer Council, addressed the findings: "Even during a period identified with massive sales and significant discounts, the Israeli public continues to feel the effects of the cost of living. Consumers are looking to save, but at the same time have become more cautious, calculated, and suspicious. We urge the public to compare prices before buying, check shipping costs and return conditions, and not rely solely on advertised discount rates."
