As the year-end season approaches, many consumers plan to start their shopping earlier this year, aiming to secure low prices, take advantage of promotions, and ensure that all gifts arrive on time. A recent survey by Sensormatic Solutions reveals key insights that can guide both shoppers and retailers during this busy period.
According to the survey, 52% of respondents plan to start their year-end shopping earlier than last year, and while shoppers are looking for deals, 48% plan to spend more than they did last year.
“Understanding consumer trends is crucial for both shoppers and retailers,” said Christa Anz, global marketing leader at Sensormatic Solutions. “This survey highlights important considerations that can enhance the shopping experience and guide retail strategies.”
Here are some of the key findings from the survey:
• Early Shopping Trends: More than half (54%) of shoppers plan to start their year-end shopping before November. This trend indicates a shift towards early planning to secure deals and avoid the rush of the busiest days of the season. Early shopping also helps lock in the best prices and ensure stock availability.
• Preferred Pickup Options: This year, 42% of shoppers plan to use Buy-Online-Pick-Up-in-Store (BOPIS), and 35% will opt for curbside pickup. However, 29% of respondents are concerned about potential long wait times, suggesting to retailers the importance of efficient customer service during peak hours and the need to offer multiple pickup options.
• Spending Management: Although nearly half of shoppers plan to spend more this year, 52% of respondents stated that they are creating a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. In fact, 64% of younger shoppers used recent sale days and flash promotions to maximize their spending.
• Prioritize Safety: Safety is key to a productive year-end shopping season. In fact, 69% of consumers feel safer with visible security measures, such as security personnel, surveillance cameras, and Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags, and 34% consider these features essential for in-store shopping. This aligns with performance data suggesting that such visual deterrents can effectively reduce theft and organized retail crime. Retailers should prioritize security features like surveillance cameras and security personnel to foster a positive shopping environment.
This year-end season presents an opportunity for consumers and retailers to adapt to evolving shopping behaviors. By understanding these insights, retailers can better meet customer expectations, while shoppers can enjoy a more informed and relaxed shopping experience.
Source: StatePoint