45 Online Shopping Days 'til Christmas
Posted on Thu, Nov 10, 2011
Every year, experts and industry pundits try to size the potential of the holiday season, and identify online shopping trends. 2011 is no different, and despite a tough economy, the holiday looks pretty rosy for retailers.
The NRF reports that as of October 2011, 39% of Americans had already started their holiday shopping - 2 points higher than last year. Source: NRF via Wall Street Journal
53% of smartphone users report they will use their device to research products, redeem coupons, use apps to assist in their purchase, and purchase holiday gifts and items. Source: NRF
The average consumer will complete 1/3 of her holiday shopping online this year, according to a survey of more than 5,000 U.S. consumers conducted by consulting firm Deloitte; with 11% reporting they'll spend more online this year than last. 73% cite convenience, and 63% cite better prices as the key drivers. Source: Deloitte Forecasts a 2.5 to 3 Percent Increase in Holiday Sales
U.S. retailers should expect to see a 2.5 to 3% increase in sales as compared to last year according to Deloitte - with sales poised to reach between $873 and $877 billion. In a similar forecast, the International Council for Shopping Centers said it expects a 3 percent growth in holiday sales. Source: Deloitte, ICSC via 1 to 1 Media
84% of consumers intend to spend the same or less as compared to last year. 40% of U.S. households will spend less this year over last, while 44% will spend the same. Only 11% are predicting an increase. Source: GfK Custom Research
72% of U.S. consumers characterize their holiday spending as "careful" or "controlled" this year. 88% expect to spend the same or less than 2010; 71% of those earning in excess of $100,000 expect to spend more than $500 on gifts. Source: Accenture
Federal Express predicts they will ship 260 million packages worldwide between Thanksgiving and Christmas - a 12% increase over last year. They further predict that their busiest day will include the delivery of 17 million packages. Source: BizReport
Over half of consumers plan to spend at least $500 on gifts this year; 36% expect to spend less. Source: PriceGrabber
According to the CEA's 18th Annual CE Holiday Purchase Patterns Study, four of five adults plan to give a gift card this holiday season (up from 8% last year), many for digital services and content. 25% plan to give a digital music gift card, 20% for ebook purchases and 16% for apps. Topping holiday wish lists are tablets, eReaders and notebooks. Source: CEA
With 55% of consumers reporting they'll be doing their holiday shopping online, what's drawing them to the web? The biggest incentive is free shipping, cited by 74%; followed by finding better discounts (60%); and avoiding crowds (47%). Source: Accenture
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