(Browser) Window Shopping for the Holidays

December 07, 2017

Online

Our Thanksgiving leftovers are gone, and that can only mean one thing: the holidays are finally upon us! We’re primed and ready to deck the halls now that the last drumstick has been devoured. Today on the Ernest blog we’re taking a look at what to expect from shoppers this holiday season.

Online shopping is set to make waves this year: e-commerce is anticipated to account for 11.5% of total retail sales this holiday season, which is a record high. A whopping 82% of shoppers plan to buy gifts online this year, which is 5% more than those who plan to visit brick-and-mortar stores.

For those that plan to shop both in stores and over the internet, online purchases will make up roughly 54% of their total holiday shopping. Those trips to the store don’t always mean a sale for that retailer, though. 79% of shoppers plan to browse products in person, then make their purchase online.

Target and Walmart are poised to be big winners this holiday season, with nearly half of all Americans expecting to make purchases from their online stores alone.

Above all others, Amazon will be delivering a lot of holiday cheer this year, with 3/4 of shoppers anticipated to purchase gifts from the king of online retailers. 9/10 of Amazon’s own Prime users expect to take advantage of their membership this holiday season, which should come as no surprise given the perks it offers.

Those perks, namely quick delivery and free shipping, are shaping up to be vital considerations for all holiday shoppers this year. Over 1/3 of shoppers say that rapid delivery service for online purchases is a factor they will take into consideration before clicking the Buy button. Likewise, nearly half of shoppers say lack of free shipping is a dealbreaker.

Is your packaging ready for the most wonderful time of the year? All that wonder comes with its fair share of dangers, though; more packages in transit means more opportunity to incur shipping damage. Ernest can strengthen your packaging to prevent that risk and keep your holidays jolly.

With Ernest at your back, we can make this season as relaxing as a mug of warm cocoa.