US Internet users will be doing plenty of online research about holiday gift giving this year. Shoppers already conditioned to comparison shop, check coupon sites and look for discounts will also be heading to social networks for information—and good deals.
According to research conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation and Yesmail, 27% of online shoppers who plan to both research and buy holiday gifts online this year will look for ideas about what friends and family want on sites such as Facebook. And nearly one-half (45%) will use social networks to research items, compare prices and look for offers.
About one-fifth of online holiday buyers are specifically looking to social networks for exclusive deals or free shipping.
Deloitte found that, overall, 17% of consumers would use social media during their holiday shopping. Just over one-half of that group was ages 18 to 29.
Sixty percent of consumers who plan to use social media in their holiday shopping will be looking for discounts, coupons and sales, according to Deloitte, while just over one-half will research gift ideas and check out friends’ and family members’ wish lists.
Deloitte found even more consumers—19%—planning on using the mobile channel for their holiday shopping. Most would be looking up store locations, and one-quarter planned to make a holiday purchase over mobile.
“Consumers are turning to mobile, online and social media during their entire holiday shopping experience,” said Stacy Janiak, Deloitte vice chairman, in a statement. “Retailers should consider harnessing this activity to turn browsers into buyers with one-click access to coupons, promotions and purchasing tools. This year’s leaner in-store inventories may also open the door for retailers to lure customers to their online channels where it is easier to access inventory, no matter where it is located.”
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Check out today’s other article, “How Web-Savvy Are Online Seniors?”