10-11-2006, 11:44 AM
Quote:Consumers are gearing up to start the holiday season earlier this year...and merchants are following suit.
Nearly 20% of the online shoppers polled said they planned to start shopping for holiday gifts earlier than last year, with 40% planning to start their shopping by Halloween. Anticipating that shift, 39% of multichannel merchants polled said they are starting their holiday marketing earlier this year than last year. Nearly two-thirds (63%) will begin promotions by Nov. 4...
The study also indicates that more online retailers will offer free shipping and other shipping promotions this year. Two years ago only 64% of online retailers offered free shipping with conditions (such as a minimum order requirement); this year 83% will offer the promotion. Indeed, three-quarters of the shoppers polled said that free shipping is one of the most important factors in determining where to buy online.
Among other promotions, nearly 40% of retailers plan to offer early shopper discounts, and 31% will offer first-time buyer discounts...
full article: http://multichannelmerchant.com/news/jum..._10042006/