Examining consumer response to the dominant forces shaping this unprecedented year, a study digital marketing agency Adtaxi found that three in four respondents (74%) said they will make an effort to shop from local small businesses this holiday season. Even so, respondents are split 50/50 on whether they feel safe shopping in stores for the holidays.
The data projects moderate growth this holiday season. While 45% of respondents plan to spend less money than last year, 35% plan to spend the same amount and 20% plan to spend more. The study further illuminates the growing role of ecommerce: 52% report that they are paying more attention to online advertising since the pandemic began – up from 45% in Adtaxi’s April 2020 Coronavirus and E-Commerce study – and 60% plan to do the majority of their holiday shopping online.
“Entering the eighth month under some form of lockdown, this data clearly shows the opportunity for small businesses to reach captive digital audiences,” said Yael Zlatin, director of ecommerce, Adtaxi. “Still, at the crossroads of a monumental election and a uniquely challenging holiday shopping season, marketers will have their work cut out for them to break through the noise. Success in this crowded market will depend on a highly adaptive and targeted digital strategy.”
Among respondents who will not make an effort to shop from local small businesses, the top reason was inconvenience (56%) followed by cost (48%). About two-thrids of respodents report it is helpful when companies address the Coronavirus crisis in their advertising – the exact same number as those who found it helpful in April. Of those not comfortable shopping in-store, however, the number jumps to 76%.
“While consumers are hesitant when it comes to in-store shopping, an overwhelming majority want to support small businesses, and many would prefer to do so online. With so many small businesses relying on holiday shopping to make ends meet, this is not an opportunity to be missed,” continued Zlatin. “This study provides a first look at how businesses can best compete for holiday expenditure – by leveraging ecommerce to overcome unfavorable perceptions of cost or inconvenience, and by speaking empathetically to the current struggles many families are facing.”
Read the report here: https://www.adtaxi.com/blog-roll/2020/10/20/study-74-of-respondents-aim-to-shop-small-amp-local-this-holiday-season
