What to expect from Black Friday 2009

The survey of Lottay shoppers found that nearly 40% are looking for an 'experience' this holiday season - a destination trip for example. Consumers are also not in the market for bunches of random gifts. According to this survey consumers would rather have cash/gift cards than a random gift from a friend or co-worker.

When it comes to products, gaming systems were among the top wish-getters. Consumers are still in-market for Nintendo's Wii platform, games and accessories. Consumers want Wii products nearly twice as much as they want Sony Playstation or Xbox 360 products. iPods are expected to continue to be hot this holiday season, as are upgraded digital cameras and computers.

Surprisingly, though, consumers aren't just wishing for things this holiday season. Many are wishing for love, peace and prosperity as much as they are wishing for 'things' to unwrap under the tree.

"A Lottay wish list doesn't restrict you to choosing merchandise from a catalog. You can wish for anything you want," said Harry Lin, CEO of Lottay. "That freedom opens up a lot of doors and a lot of creativity for the wisher. As a result, we're finding that a growing number of people want something more than the latest 'it' product. They want love, world peace and the occasional mani-pedi. Lottay is the only place you can wish for, and give, anything at all."

Lottay's platform gives consumers the ability to send e-cards, instant messages, pictures to 'wish' for gifts or to send wished for gifts to friends.

Tags: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, ecommerce, ecommerce forecast, holiday forecast, holiday spend, Lottay, online shopping