• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, December 11, 2001

Consumer Reports, in a special holiday online report, summarized several studies discussing anticipated consumer behavior during the next few weeks. They point out consumer focus this holiday season will be on value. According to Forrester Research shoppers will spend a record $11 billion dollars online this year, but instead of buying expensive gifts online shoppers will stick to more affordable items like books and CDs and less expensive gifts for kids. Online sales of toys alone are expected to increase more than 15 percent over the same six-month period last year.

Consumer confidence and convenience online are two reasons e-tailers may remain afloat in this economy. Many online retailers are looking for innovative and cost-effective ways to attract new cybershoppers like streamlining the browsing and buying process. And, since customer service is more important than ever, online retailers will offer delivery to multiple addresses, inexpensive gift wrapping, and on-time shipping guarantees.

Despite the added convenience e-tailers may offer, value will still be the most important factor for online shoppers this holiday season. To grab the attention of cost-conscious shoppers, one search-engine firm has partnered with a shopping firm to provide price comparisons of online retailers in a large variety of categories, empowering shoppers with a quick way to get money-saving information.

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