• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, October 14, 2001

According to the eMarketer release of The 2001 "Holiday Readiness Report" from Vividence, 71% of US online consumers are concerned about the economy, in light of the 11 September 2001 attacks on the country, and 40% plan to shop less is stores this holiday season. In fact, 29% say they will shop more online this holiday season because they are concerned about store safety.

Reasons why US Online Consumers Would Shop More Online During 2001 Holiday Season (% of respondents)

- Concerned about safety in stores - 29%
- Avoid crowds or lines - 13%
- Better selection - 12%
- Less stress, frustration, hassle - 10%
- Save money - 10%

Source: Vividence Corporation, Oct. 2001

Vividence questioned 400 US online consumers on 17 September (having questioned groups in September 2001) and found that they will spend less in general this holiday due to concern about the economy, lose their jobs, or afraid that the US will go to war.

Online Consumers Would Spend Less During 2001 Holiday Season Because:

- Concerned about the economy - 50%
- Need to save money/budget - 24%
- Making less money - 18%
- Concerned about losing job - 17%
- Concerned about going to war - 12%

Source: Vividence Corporation, Oct. 2001

The study also mentions that 31% of e-consumers say their main concern for this coming holiday season is safety whereas only 19% cite spending time with family as their top concern.

Check out the whole story here.