A new survey by First Insight reveals a major shift in shopping trends for this holiday season:
🔹 53% more consumers plan to shop only in stores compared to last year.
🔹 Online-only shopping is down by 21%, with shoppers favoring a hybrid approach — nearly half (48%) plan to mix both physical and digital shopping.
Why the shift?
🕑 Delayed Purchases:
44% more shoppers plan to start their holiday shopping around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, waiting for better deals and aligning with last-minute needs.
💡 Loyalty Programs Matter:
There’s been a 64% increase in shoppers influenced by loyalty program benefits. Retailers have a golden opportunity to focus on retention and long-term loyalty beyond the holiday season.
🚚 Faster Shipping > Free Shipping:
36% more consumers are now willing to spend over $20 on delivery, highlighting a growing demand for premium shipping services — especially among Gen Z and male shoppers.
📉 Social Media Influence is Declining:
There’s a 20% drop in consumers using platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for holiday inspiration. However, affluent shoppers are still active, favoring Facebook and YouTube for direct purchases.
🏷️ Coupon Usage is Plummeting:
Only 6% of shoppers plan to use more coupons this year — a dramatic decrease from 27% in 2022.
What does this mean for retailers?
💬 “This holiday season is about competitive pricing, convenience, and value-driven experiences,” said Greg Petro, CEO of First Insight.
Retailers who deliver seamless omnichannel experiences, leverage loyalty programs, and offer premium services like faster shipping will emerge as winners during the critical year-end shopping season.
Are you ready to meet the evolving expectations of your holiday shoppers?