How The Current Economy Impacts Holiday Shoppers | The Communication Blog

Monday, February 13, 2012

How The Current Economy Impacts Holiday Shoppers

By Oscar Calvete


Consumer spending is impacted by the current economic climate. Polls have shown that a majority of people believe America is in another recession. This lack of confidence is affecting holiday shopping during the nation's largest selling season.

Since retail merchants rely on holiday sales for a considerable share of their annual profits, they are naturally creating ways to entice people into their businesses. Once shoppers enter the store for that special deal, they are likely to purchase other items, too. This tactic is used by brick-and-mortar shops and online sites alike.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargains appeal to a great many holiday shoppers. Some Black Friday sales are beginning even earlier this year. A lot of consumers have begun their holiday gift purchasing early, and expect to find special deals during the entire, lengthened holiday season.

Online shopping has gained tremendous popularity with consumers for a number of reasons.

It takes less time and no gasoline to compare prices and make purchases online. Receipts are more easily organized and harder to lose. And online stores are available 24 hours a day. Gifts can be shipped directly to the recipients, eliminating trips to the Post Office.

Some shoppers would not have access to certain stores without the internet. And merchandise is sometimes limited in the brick-and-mortar stores in their vicinity. There is always a danger of overspending on the internet, though. Urgent offers can be persuasive. Shopping in the store takes more time but also lends more time to considerate buying. Of course, attractive store displays can hold the same risk.

This season, concerned shoppers will be sticking to reasonably strict budgets and avoiding superfluous spending. They plan to use cash or debit cards when possible as a way to prevent reckless purchases. And thrifty shoppers will limit their credit card use to steer clear of adding any extra debt.

In today's economic climate, Americans are worried about unemployment, a volatile stock market, and finances in general. They want to enjoy the holidays even while tightening their belts. It stands to reason that, whether shopping in store or online, today's holiday shoppers are seeking more savings and more value for their money.




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