Gone are the days of driving to the mall, fighting the crowds and scrabbling for the last toy on the shelf. Holiday shopping is now all done online, which brings a new level of stress. How do you know if you’re getting the best deal? Has this item been cheaper in the past? Are you missing out on extra rewards? The answer to all three questions is probably “yes,” but don’t worry: You can use these 10 Chrome extensions to check out coupons, save money, make money, and even invest in your future.
Given the nature of these extensions, you’ll find some crossover features here and there. Some of these apps want to do everything, so there may be some redundancy in the mix. But each excels in at least one unique ability to help you with your holiday shopping (and year-round).
There’s no doubt that the holiday season will look a little different this year, but it will still be a season of peak demand and a critical time to connect with shoppers. Shoppers are browsing, exploring, researching and buying online more than ever before, creating opportunities for retailers to be found, increase their e-commerce offerings and help shoppers find the information and products they need. In this guide, discover 5 shifts in shopping behavior for retailers to take immediate action.
Get ready for a month-long Cyber Monday
Social distance measures have changed how, when and where people shop. This holiday season is no exception. Shoppers plan to start their holiday shopping early, which will extend the usual Cyber Monday and Cyber Week schedules.
62% of U.S. shoppers will start their holiday shopping early to avoid running out of merchandise
With many people staying at home, people are turning online more than ever to browse, explore, research and buy. And while deal-seeking behavior is nothing new, COVID-19 has led to an increasing number of shoppers seeking value in terms of quality and price.
46% of U.S. online shoppers want retailers to offer discounts
Worldwide searches for “best affordable” are up over 60% year-over-year
Preparing for the digital newcomer to drive growth
With many states suspending or withdrawing reopening programs, U.S. shoppers are reconsidering the security of online shopping. This year, 69% of U.S. shoppers plan to shop online during the holidays, more than in previous years, and more are browsing and buying online for the first time.
More than 50 percent of U.S. shoppers surveyed are trying a new shopping service for the first time this year
More than one in ten U.S. shoppers surveyed are trying a new shopping app for the first time this year
Get ready for a tilt toward online SKUs
Throughout the pandemic, we saw an increase in the number of people searching for inspiration, ideas, comparisons and online shopping. During the holiday season, this means more purchase decisions will be made online, regardless of whether those items are delivered to their home, picked up in-store or curbside.
77% of U.S. holiday shoppers said they would browse gift ideas online rather than in-store.
” fashion online shopping” searches are up 600% year-over-year.
Search trends indicate a significant shift in the way consumers expect to interact with brick-and-mortar stores. With more and more decisions being made online, stores are increasingly being reduced to transaction points. Often, by the time a customer enters your store, they have already decided what they want to buy.
Worldwide searches for ” available near me” are up over 100% year-over-year.
Worldwide searches for ” curbside pickup” are up over 3,000% year-over-year.
Prepare for the goal-driven shopper
Our consumer research also shows that consumers are increasingly using their buying power to support businesses that share their values. Now more than ever, consumers can align their purchasing decisions with companies that act ethically and share common beliefs.
46% of U.S. shoppers surveyed agree that “I deliberately shop at companies that share my values.
66% of U.S. consumers who plan to shop this holiday season say they will shop more often at local small businesses.