Retailers: Holiday Shopping Has Begun!

Being an independent business person, I am a huge proponent of small business although until now I haven't written much about it in my blog. However, most of us that have held on through the recession know what forbearance, determination and courage it's taken! And now we're overdue for that upswing!

So I thought that both store front and online local retailers might be interested in the results of a study released today by Yesmail, a company that makes e-mail marketing software.

Below are 10 important findings about holiday spending this year from their survey of 500 consumers:

1. 51% of consumers start holiday shopping in Oct. or Nov. (20% before Oct. and 24% wait until Dec.)
2. Shoppers plan to spend MORE this year than last, and sales increased 4.1% in 2011.
3. Consumers pay LESS attention to Internet/web review sites during the holidays than the rest of the year.
4. Almost everyone buys something online (97% shop online at least several times a year).
5. People DON'T buy as much as you might think on smart phones - only 19% of mobile phone owners regularly purchase on their device as opposed to 76% of mobile phone owners who use their computers.
6. Shoppers prefer weekends to buy at "bricks and mortar" stores; online they buy more on week days.
7. Most online shoppers browse during the evening hours.
8. Personal discounts ARE an important component in e-mail campaigns.  Promotional offers in e-mail influence purchasing decisions.
9. Social media influences ONLINE shopping habits more than in-store habits.
10. Holiday campaigns on Twitter & Facebook spark LESS engagement.  Brands seem to do better when the focus is on promoting holiday spirit as opposed to marketing products and events.

For more information see http://www.yesmail.com/resources/whitepapers

Note:  Yesmail is not a client of author, nor does she have any financial or other interests in the company.