‘Tis the season to shop. New trends in the retail industry usually go through a testing phase during the holiday shopping season first. Advertisers are more likely to break through the clutter with out of the box marketing ideas during this busy time of year. In fact, recent holiday shopping statistics illustrate that trends in the retail industry reflect consumer’s behavioral habits. Consumers are gearing up for the year’s biggest shopping season and seeking out deals and steals across a variety of platforms. This holiday season will be the most connected ever, via laptop, tablet or smartphone devices. According to Google, one-third of all shopping searches are performed on browsers between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am, proving that consumers are shopping around the clock. Not surprisingly, more of these searches are happening on smartphone devices.
This year, people are starting their research early and at all times throughout the day. Retailers even began Black Friday promotions at the beginning of November, allowing consumers plenty of time to plan their holiday purchases. Holiday shopping statistics tell us that 26% of consumers started their gift-hunting before Halloween. So, where are they shopping?
Smartphone Devices: The Gift that Keeps on Giving
From research to purchase, holiday shoppers are increasingly turning to smartphone devices. Trends in the retail industry show that 75% of smartphone device shoppers plan to use their phones in-store this holiday season, and one in three shoppers use their smartphone device to find information. Gone are the days of relying on in-store employees. Today, consumers rely on their phones more than ever to learn about and compare products, and do so all throughout the day.
Trends in the Retail Industry show that Customers are Doing Their Research
Shoppers are spending more time consulting more sources before making a decision. Since 2010, the number of touchpoints that consumers use to research their purchases has more than doubled, with shoppers consulting at least 12 sources in 2013. Holiday shopping statistics suggest that October through November has become a crucial period for retailers to reach shoppers online, being present with offers, information, how-to’s and content.
When retailers understand smartphone device behavior in stores, they can meet shoppers online with useful information. In fact, many are turning to beaconing this holiday season to get their customers in-store. Consumers are coming into stores more purposeful and informed than before, and savvy retailers are turning this into an opportunity.
Is your brand up to date with the latest digital trends in the retail industry? Contact Women’s Marketing, Inc. online or call 203-256-4188.
Sources: Think with Google: Holiday Shopper Research; Shopping Trends
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