Nearly one out of five US Internet users surveyed by BIGresearch for the National Retail Federation's (NRF's) "2008 Mother's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey" said they will go online to buy their mothers gifts for the upcoming holiday.
However, the majority of consumers will go to specialty, discount and department stores to ensure mom gets her gift on time.
Those who do shop online may do so to save on car trips.
"Gas prices and other economic issues will still be at the forefront of people's minds as they shop around for the perfect gift for mom," said BIGresearch vice president Phil Rist, in a press release.
Respondents said they planned to spend an average of $138.63
for Mother's Day this year, compared with $139.14 last year. NRF said it expected total consumer spending for the holiday to reach $15.8 billion.
A similar study sponsored by Discover Card and conducted by Caravan Opinion Research Corporation surveyed US adults, not just Internet users. A slightly smaller percentage of respondents (16%) said they would do their Mother's Day shopping online compared with the NRF study.
Some US adults will be using the Internet for more than just shopping. Although the majority of respondents to a Brand Keys study said they planned to call or visit their mom on Mother's Day, 5% said they planned to contact their mother online.
Mothers are some of the heaviest Internet users. Learn why in eMarketer's Moms Online: Browsing, Researching, Buying report.