eBillme research: Most Christmas gifts will be bought online this year

According to the latest research conducted by Javelin Strategy and Research for eBillme Online Spending Index this year consumers plan to spend more money for holiday gifts. Last year this figure was 29%, and this year the number of people wishing to buy gifts online has grown by 9%. On average during the fourth quarter, consumers are planning to spend an average of $283.68 online, a 3 percent increase over Q4 2009. 

15% of respondents said that they are going to do most of their shopping on Cyber Monday, and 55 % of consumers plan to avoid Black Friday in favor of shopping online. Speaking about the gifts, 69% of potential shoppers said that they will buy at least one gift card for the holidays this year. 

“While consumer spending remains cautious for the holidays, our Index shows opportunities for the online retail sector,” says Marwan Forzley, President and CEO of eBillme. “More consumers will turn to the Internet for holiday shopping this year putting online retailers in a better position to attract customers and sales. The fact that 33 percent of consumers shopped without credit cards last year is evidence that consumers are approaching holiday shopping differently. They are saving and spending within their means rather than following the buy now pay later mantra. We expect to see similar shopping habits this year as the number of consumers preferring cash over credit continues to increase.” 

1,200 consumers took part in this poll.

Source: eBillme