Social shopping will come into it’s own this holiday season, says new research by SteelHouse, experts in behavioural commerce.
Comparison shopping, online discounts, free shipping and ecommerce will all feature heavily as shoppers look to spend less this year. All in all, 82% of all shoppers surveyed said their shopping behaviour would change as the festive season approaches.
It may sound like bad news for businesses, but for savvy online retailers it’s an opportunity. Those surveyed said they’d use social media to find deals and share them with their networks. And whilst the highest income group weren’t intending on adjusting the amount they spent, they planned to be more alert to deals like coupons, group discounts and free shipping.
Essentially, the lesson retailers need to learn is that this season’s shoppers are looking for a compelling – and that means tailored – offer to part with their cash. The right deal won’t work for everyone, so time to look at how you make your products appeal to your individual customers.
Other findings are equally fascinating. Higher earners are making some new decisions, like:
- 13% will use coupons for the first time
- 36% will not buy without a discount of some kind
- 32% will spend time browsing
Those with children are making lots more changes to their shopping habits (more than any other group). Here are some stats:
- 56% will comparison shop more than before
- 34% want a discount or free shipping
- 36% will buy online, and 31% will redeem loyalty points instead of cash or credit
- One in five will use social media to share deals
There’s a battle of the sexes going on too, and women are winning. They’re significantly more likely than men to do all of the above – except for coupons, which men love!
Have you noticed a change in your customers’ behaviour? Do you have any insights to add? What do you think about the difference between men and women’s online shopping habits? Let us know.
