HOLIDAY SHOPPING 2019

We have researched some Holiday Shopping Data that we think might be useful, especially to independent retailers .  We are sharing it now because sellers will start ramping up in September and  October in order to capitalize on holiday sales trends. Here are some interesting points you may want to consider for the 2019 Holiday Shopping Season:

• Brick-and-mortar stores are rising in popularity with nearly every age group.  However, more than 40% say they plan to buy online and pick up in the store.
• Shoppers are spending more than ever before. Anticipated spending has shifted up the scale, with 10% more shoppers than last year saying they’ll spend at least $500.
• The percentage of shoppers who anticipate spending $250 or less has dropped by close to 8%, but still represents 43% of the total — making for a considerable segment of bargain hunters.
• Top shopping categories include electronics, clothing, and gift cards. Gift cards should be promoted extensively, including late in the season, when they offer salvation for last-minute shoppers.
• The majority of consumers anticipate starting to hunt for holiday gifts before Thanksgiving, giving merchants a potential opportunity to engage shoppers early and often.
• Early shoppers are more likely than average to visit individual retailer web sites on their quest for gifts, making them ripe targets for small- to mid-sized merchants.
• Holiday returns are the new normal.  Surveys show that 40% of shoppers returned at least one gift they bought or received in 2018. As a result, consumers scrutinize return policies carefully, with three-quarters saying a hassle-free, clearly-stated policy is a purchase differentiator.
• Social media connects significantly with consumers under the age of 35.  Nearly 43%  say Social Media is “somewhat influential” for holiday shopping and 6.5% say social media is “very influential” — 140% higher than those over 35.
• Brands with a corporate responsibility matter, especially to the young. Among those under 45 years old, 55% are willing to pay a premium for products whose proceeds benefit a good cause.  Specifically, younger women tend to support brands with a philanthropic cause.