Nearly Half of Israelis to Cut Back on November Sales Purchases Due to High Cost of Living, Histadrut Consumer Authority Survey Finds

Nearly half of Israelis (48%) plan to forgo some planned shopping during the upcoming November sales season due to the rising cost of living, according to a survey commissioned by the Histadrut Consumer Authority. Conducted by the Geocartography Institute among a representative sample of 501 adults across Israel, the study reveals that while consumers wait for the annual discount month, escalating economic pressures and widespread skepticism surrounding advertised bargains are keeping spending tightly constrained.

Tight Budgets and Delayed Purchases

The findings show that 68% of respondents postponed purchases throughout the year specifically to take advantage of November deals. However, financial constraints weigh heavily: 44% stated that their economic situation will allow them to buy only some of the items they want or will force them to cancel purchases altogether. Among those who do plan to buy, 63% set their spending limit at up to NIS 1,000. The most sought-after categories remain fashion and footwear (68%), electronics (48%), and home design goods (43%).

Mounting Skepticism and Smarter Shopping Habits

Israeli shoppers are increasingly wary of marketing campaigns, with 50% of respondents reporting that they do not trust the advertised discounts. This skepticism has driven more cautious consumer behavior: 39% cite price as their primary criterion when selecting a shopping platform, while 34% prioritize platform reliability. Furthermore, 94% check shipping costs before ordering, and 75% examine return and cancellation policies. Consumer dissatisfaction has also risen, with 60% reporting that they previously received an item of lower quality than expected—a 7% increase compared to last year. In addition, 62% indicated that a product’s country of origin factors into their purchasing decision.

Tax Policy and Cross-Border E-Commerce

The survey also examined public sentiment regarding import taxation on foreign online purchases. While 39% of respondents estimated that leaving the VAT-exemption threshold at $75 would lead them to decrease their shopping volume, 72% stated that the government should raise the exemption cap to $150.

Union’s Solutions: The Social Supermarket and “Together for You” Club

In direct response to this cost-of-living squeeze, the Histadrut operates dedicated initiatives to lower household expenses for its members. Building on the foundation of “Together for You” (Beyachad Bishvilcha) – the Histadrut’s social consumer club established in 2016 to subsidize benefits across food, consumer goods, leisure, fashion, home design, health, and insurance. The union has further expanded its reach with the “Social Supermarket” (HaSuper HaChevrati). Spearheaded by Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David, this digital platform offers nationwide delivery on hundreds of essential items, including cooking and baking supplies, dry and canned goods, cleaning products, toiletries, and home accessories. By subsidizing these staples, the platform delivers discounts that lower prices significantly below market rates, offering union members a direct, reliable tool to curb regular living costs.

Protecting the Consumer Pocket

Yaron Levinson, CEO of the Histadrut Consumer Authority, emphasised the need for vigilance in the current economic climate:

“The survey findings demonstrate that even during a period synonymous with major sales and steep discounts, the Israeli public continues to feel the acute impact of the cost of living. Consumers are looking to save, but they have also become more cautious, calculated, and suspicious. We urge the public to compare prices prior to making purchases, check shipping costs and return policies, and never rely solely on the advertised discount rates. Smart consumer behavior begins with preliminary research, which can save shoppers hundreds of shekels, even during sale season.”