Report: Retailers Expect Growth in Online Businesses for the Holidays

October 26, 2011 By

This holiday season, most retailers expect strong demand and growth for their online businesses. According to Shop.org’s eHoliday survey, conducted by Bigresearch, nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) retailers expect their company’s online sales to grow at least 15 percent or more, compared to last holiday season. Last year, 63.8 percent of retailers had the same expectations.

When asked why they plan to spend more online this holiday season, four in 10 shoppers (43.2 percent) cited 24-hour convenience as their main reason. Other reasons included not having to fight crowds in stores (37. 2 percent), ease of comparing prices (29.6 percent), and free shipping offers (36.3 percent).

Anticipating customers to seek free shipping offers, nine in 10 online retailers (92.5 percent) said they plan to offer the service at some point, up from 84.8 percent last year. Additionally, 56.3 percent of retailers said their specific budgets for free shipping promotions are somewhat or significantly higher than last year.

To prepare for the holiday season, many online retailers have invested in new technologies and site and service features. More than half (51 percent) said they have significantly invested in mobile-optimized websites, and 19.6 percent have invested in tablet device applications. Additionally, 35.3 percent said they have significantly invested in QR codes in offline advertising. Of those who regularly use social media platforms, nearly three-quarters say they have already invested in their Facebook (72.5 percent) and Twitter (41.2 percent) accounts in advance of the holidays.

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Report: Six in 10 Holiday Shoppers Plan to Buy Non-Gifts for Themselves

October 20, 2011 By

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has released its 2011 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, and the report predicts a slight decrease in the average amount each shopper will spend this holiday season. According to the survey, shoppers say they plan to shell out an average of $704.18 on holiday gifts and seasonal merchandise, down slightly from last year’s $718.98. NRF still forecasts overall holiday retail sales to grow 2.8 percent during November and December to $465.6 billion.

Holiday shoppers also plan to take advantage of sales and discounts to purchase goods for themselves. Nearly six in 10 holiday shoppers (59.9 percent) say they plan to purchase additional non-gifts for themselves and their families during the holiday season. The largest portion of a consumer’s holiday budget will go to family members, with the average person spending $403.26 on kids, parents, and other family members. Additionally, an average of $68.23 will be spent on friends, followed by $21.06 on co-workers, and $23.39 on other gifts. Consumers will also spend on decorations ($46.73), greeting cards ($26.52), candy and food ($96.75), and flowers ($18.23.) Gift cards will be popular with consumers again this year, with 57.7 percent of shoppers saying they’d like to receive a gift card this holiday season.

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Report: International Travelers to the U.S. Spend Approximately $1,172 on Shopping

December 15, 2010 By

Mandala Research has announced the results of an international visitors study underwritten by Macy’s and Shop America Alliance and conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce/Office of Travel & Tourism Industries (DOC).

The study polled 2,500 inbound travelers to the U.S., who had visited within the past 12 months, on their itineraries and shopping plans. The visitors included those from Australia, Brazil, China, India, and Korea. On average, the respondents spent $3,517 on their trip to the U.S., and one-third of that (approximately $1,172) was spent on shopping.

According to results, 56 percent said shopping was the key reason for the trip or it helped them choose among destinations. In addition, these travelers purchased more than the twice the amount they had planned to purchase while shopping in the U.S.

Apparel was the top purchase for the visitors. While toys were not on the top 10 list of items planned to purchase, a quarter of all travelers said they purchased toys on their most recent trip to the U.S.

For more results, visit www.MandalaResearch.com or www.ShopAmericaTours.com.

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