consumer

A new survey by PriceGrabber revealed that 1/3 of American consumers want to buy an iPhone 5.

"Our survey data confirms the strong following Apple has built around its iPhone, with more than one-third of consumers planning to upgrade to the latest model only a little over a year following the release of the iPhone 4," said Graham Jones, general manager of PriceGrabber.

IBM is entering the ecommerce industry with its new initiative to help online businesses better service their customers. IBM has launched an ecommerce program that focuses on retail operation integration and analytics.

"Through technology, consumers have gotten much more empowered than they have ever been before," for the retail industry, said Craig Hayman, the general manager of IBM Software Industry Solutions, who heads the new practice.

As retailers are offering more discounts and deals the number of shoppers wishing to buy "impulse" gifts for themselves or others is on the rise this season. An exclusive survey for Reuters by consumer research firm America's Research Group revealed that about 46% of U.S. consumers have already purchased an "impulse item" this season.

According to 2 similar surveys conducted earlier in November that number rose from 28% and 38%.

According to the updated forecast made by comScore online spending this holiday is expected to grow by 11% as compared to the previous year. It is the second time the analytics firm updates its closely watched view. The new spending outlook should bring total holiday e-commerce spending to $32.4 billion, comScore said.

Prepaid credit card resource BestPrepaidVisa.com is helping consumers find the best prepaid visa for their circumstances through offering detailed reviews of the available offers and card suppliers, enabling consumers to differentiate providers at a glance through its easy-to-navigate website.
Online prepaid debit card and credit card resource site BestPrepaidVisa.com is offering consumers the chance to choose prepaid visas at a glance, through offering the web's most in-depth coverage and review of the prepaid visa cards market.

American consumers shopped more for bargains at the start of the U.S. holiday season and spent significantly less than a year ago, according to early data released on Sunday.

Consumers said they will have spent nearly 8 percent less on average, or about $343 per person, over the weekend that includes U.S. Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday and runs through Sunday, according to the National Retail Federation.