Best deals are found online this season, American consumers think

New research from StrategyOnline revealed that 74% of Americans feel the easiest way to complete their holiday gift purchases is online while 87% of consumers prefer brick-and-mortar stores.

Talking about the best deals overall Americans are divided with 52% stating they found the best deals online, while 48% say they could find the best deals in retail stores.

From its recent public opinion poll of 1,052 Americans, StrategyOne, also found that 54% of Americans think shopping online is the best way to ensure their spending doesn't exceed their holiday gift budget.

"Online retailing has quickly and increasingly become a crucial segment of the holiday shopping season, which can be seen in the growing popularity of 'Cyber Monday' as well as the significant Thanksgiving Day online spending," said Bradley Honan, senior vice president of StrategyOne.

"But clearly, there are still aspects of the retail experience, like the holiday spirit, that can't be matched online."