{"id":980,"date":"2011-11-21T12:10:09","date_gmt":"2011-11-21T20:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/?p=980"},"modified":"2019-05-30T12:25:48","modified_gmt":"2019-05-30T19:25:48","slug":"the-2011-holiday-shopping-trends-and-consumer-behavior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/the-2011-holiday-shopping-trends-and-consumer-behavior\/","title":{"rendered":"2011 Holiday Shopping Trends and Consumer Behavior"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>According to the National Retail Federation, holiday sales are expected to surpass $465 billion<\/strong> this year, up 2.8% from last year. <\/strong><\/p>\n

NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay says, \u201cWhile businesses remain concerned over the viability of the economic recovery, there is no doubt that the retail industry is in a better position this year to handle consumer uncertainty than it was in 2008 and 2009.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though the general outlook on the economy is more favorable than last year, the state of the economy still plays a role in consumers\u2019 decision-making process. According to SteelHouse, 82% of shoppers, including high income earners, are changing their shopping behavior this year due to the economy.<\/p>\n

Though 62% are planning to spend less than last year, 50% will do more comparison shopping before committing to a purchase. Over 30% will not purchase an item without free shipping or a discount. See the results of the study below:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

All is not lost, though. According to the National Retail Federation, the average person plans to do 36% of their holiday shopping online. You can see the trend shifting towards internet shopping as brick-and-mortar stores are advertising the same Black Friday deals online. Additionally, consumers are tired of waiting on long lines in the freezing cold only to enter a packed store to wait on more long checkout lines. Consumers no longer feel as if they are \u201cmissing out\u201d on a deal by shopping in the comforts of their own homes.<\/p>\n

More 2011 holiday trends:<\/p>\n

Social<\/strong> \u2013 About 12% of survey participants will use social media outlets to locate deals\/discounts and share them with family and friends. Consumers love a deal and as a result they cannot wait to share it with friends on Facebook and Twitter.<\/p>\n

Coupons<\/strong> \u2013 More than ever, coupons and discounts will become a major factor in shoppers\u2019 final purchase decisions. A good percentage of shoppers said they would use coupons for the first time this year. This also includes high-income earners who are more conscientious of saving a dollar.<\/p>\n

Expect shoppers to perform diligent research to find the best deal among competitors. Sending out coupons via email is a good strategy to get a move on your competition. Also, subscribing to your competitors\u2019 lists is another great strategy which will allow you to see what discounts they are offering.<\/p>\n

Mobile<\/strong> \u2013 Expect mobile sales to increase this year since smartphone and tablets are so popular. According to the NRF survey, while 16% of consumers will use smartphones to make purchases, 70% of tablet owners will also use their devices to make holiday purchases. The large screen size is a much more enjoyable way to shop and the ease of use edges out waiting on a long checkout line any day.<\/p>\n

Take advantage of these statistics to appeal to more consumers this year. What other trends are you noticing as holiday shopping begins to escalate?<\/p>\n

Sources:
\nhttp:\/\/blog.nrf.com\/2011\/11\/01\/top-ten-holiday-trends-for-2011\/<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/www.nrf.com\/modules.php?name=News&op=viewlive&sp_id=1225<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/www.steelhouse.com\/about-us\/research<\/a><\/p>\n