HOLIDAY SHOPPERS LOOKING FOR CLOTHING, SHOES AND JEWELRY THIS SEASON

Over half of holiday of shoppers have clothing and shoes on their to-buy list, according to the latest study by RetailMeNot, Inc., a leading digital savings destination connecting consumers with retailers, restaurants and brands. In addition, 18 percent of those who surveyed said they will be seeking out jewelry as presents.

Moreover, holiday shopping will start early this year, with 46 percent of shoppers expected to start doing so before November 1. “It’s important for retailers to ensure they enter consumers’ consideration set early in the season,” said Marissa Tarleton, chief marketing officer of North America for RetailMeNot, Inc.

The survey also noted that deal-seeking remains at the top of most shoppers’ mind, with more than 60 percent of consumers surveyed planning to shop sales and promotions, up from 51 percent in 2015. Furthermore, 46 of shoppers said they would spend a full day hunting online for the best price, 26 percent would travel more than an hour to visit a store with a great deal, and 23 percent plan to line up outside store doors before they open in order to snag the best prices on the hottest products. “Having the right promotional mix is key for reaching shoppers,” added Tarelton.

Other findings of the study includes that 75 percent of holiday shopping say they are planning to shop in brick-and-mortar stores this season, with Black Friday still being the most popular day to shop, followed by the weekend before Christmas; and that 31 percent of the general population say that they are likely to spend more money with a brand or retailer who offers to pick up those costs.