Holiday shopping season is in even fuller swing than it was a year ago according to new CivicScience data from the month of October, with people preparing earlier (and spending more) given – or despite – the shortages and delays they are facing.
Three-in-five adults are thinking about the holidays at least a little bit right now, up eleven percentage points from this time in 2020.
What’s more, an increased percentage of respondents are already checking people off their holiday shopping lists compared to October of the past two years. Nearly 40% of American adults surveyed have started their holiday shopping, with nearly half of that portion having already completed theirs (the 18% figure).
Prepared for Delays
Consumers are very aware of the delays and shortages of goods that may await them. In fact roughly two-in-three adults expect that limited product availability and delayed shipping times will impact their holiday shopping experience.
In-store Holiday Shopping is Back
While the pandemic spurred many to shop online for holiday gifts last year, this year looks comparable to 2019, with just under half of adults reporting they’ll do the majority of their shopping online. Perhaps this is a result of the increased concern of potential shipping delays.
Spending Intent Is on the Rise, Too
Not only are twice as many Americans reporting they’ll spend more than they did in 2020 (21% vs. 11%), but a higher percentage say they’ll spend more even compared to the good ol’ days of (pre-pandemic) holiday 2019.
