Consumers plan a budget-conscious Christmas

In the lead up to Christmas, US shoppers are looking at ways to save on their gift buying by finding deals online and saving gas by shopping on the Internet. Thirty-seven percent of the 2,022 online adults surveyed said they will shop online for reasons such as saving gas (24%) and better deals (32%).

How are consumers planning to find the best deals? Over half (56%) will use search engines, 32% will use price comparison websites, a quarter will use coupon websites, 23% online ads, 12% bargain tracking sites and 5% will use social networks that focus on shopping.

"As economic pressures mount, consumers are becoming more strategic in the way they look for deals and they are using online tools more than ever," said Guy King, cofounder of online coupon website RetailMeNot.com.

"In addition to empowering consumers with the information they need to save money, online tools are creating new channels for retailers to reach budget-conscious shoppers and drive sales despite the decrease in spending this holiday season."

Further findings from the survey into consumer buying behavior in the run-up to the holidays include:

- 80% will purchase fewer gifts this year.
- 46% intend to buy gifts for few people.
- 43% will buy less gifts for the same number of people.
- 63% will go for cheaper gift options.
- 44% will shop at discount stores.
- 29% will shop early to avoid the expense of impulse buying nearer to Christmas.
- 19% are awaiting Black Friday sales.
- 12% are relying on last minute bargains.

Tags: Black Friday, buying behavior, Christmas, comparison websites, coupons, gifts, holiday season, holiday shopping, online ads, online shopping, search engines