More shoppers go online for holiday season

‘Tis the season for holiday spending surveys, so here’s some recent consumer-spending data as presented by brand loyalty specialists, Brand Keys.

by Helen Leggatt

Brand Keys’ holiday spending survey of 16,000 consumers revealed that 30 percent intend to spend less, compared with last year. That’s double last year’s figure of 15 percent.

Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys, said the average amount consumers spend will be around $815, up just 2 percent on last year. Furthermore, more consumers will be logging on to do their shopping - 75 percent of those surveyed said they would shop online, a 17 percent rise on last year.

"More shoppers, with wallets gouged by gasoline prices and seeking to avoid the crowds, lines at check-out, and the stress associated with bricks-and-mortar shopping, say they'll go online to shop this holiday season," said Passikoff.

This holiday season consumers said they would be spending their money on:

Gift cards – 70 percent
Electronics/Computers/Phones – 63 percent
CDs/DVDs/Video Games – 55 percent
Clothing and accessories – 54 percent
Books – 30 percent
Home décor – 20 percent
Travel – 5 percent