Has mobile shopping really arrived? I have to know.
So I’m pledging to buy every holiday gift this year using my smartphone, starting on Black Friday and ending on December 24.
Welcome to the Great Mobile Holiday Shopping Challenge.
Why am I doing this? Good question. The short answer is that I boasted to a room full of co-workers that I could do it. More importantly, it promises to be an incredible learning experience and a real-life opportunity to live the mobile shopping customer experience at the busiest, craziest time of year for retailers.
My holiday list is full of family, friends and even a fiancé, so this is no faint attempt. I’ll chronicle every step of the way, dishing on the good, the bad and the ugly of mobile shopping.
What I’ll share:
• Reviews of programs, sites and apps that purport to make mobile shopping easier
• Effectiveness of SMS programs for mobile shoppers
• Where branded and 3rd party apps fit in the mobile shopping experience
• How shopping experiences can differ based on device
• Debunk and confirm mobile shopping myths
• Mobile shopping best practices
Follow me at mobileshopping.tumblr.com. Join me as I accept challenges, examine mobile shopping myths and use every tool at my disposal to solve the challenge of holiday mobile shopping.
The holiday shopping season is looking up for retailers. GDP grew an estimated 2.5% in Q3 and even though consumer sentiment still drags, the National Retail Federation remains optimistic about the holiday retail season. They are forecasting overall holiday retail sales to grow 2.8 percent during the months of November and December to $465.6 billion.
So ready, set, shop.
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, holiday shoppers plan to shell out an average of $704.18 on holiday gifts and seasonal merchandise, down slightly from last year’s $718.98.
And while most folks agree that the spirit of the season is in “giving”, the NRF is reporting that nearly three out of five holiday shoppers also will take advantage of sales and discounts to make purchases for themselves during the holiday season.
According to the research, “the average person will spend approximately $130.43 on apparel, electronics, home goods and other items for themselves or a family member, up from $112.20 last year.”
What this means to marketers: Just because it’s the giving season, don’t forget that consumers are always tuned in to smart deals in this economy. The largest portion of a consumer’s holiday budget will still go toward gifts for family members, but friends, co-workers and even family pets may be in for a surprise or two this year.
