This was the original season in a little while that I was out shopping on Black Friday. I normally get most of my holiday shopping done just before Thanksgiving. Totally avoiding the annual post-Thanksgiving rush has been an aim of mine for a little while. It is not the case in 2007.
However, my delayed shopping for the holiday season this year is hardly different. A Consumer Reports survey of the American public indicates that just twenty two % of individuals foresee finishing holiday shopping right after Thanksgiving. This compares to thirty percent in 2006. In reality, 45 percent of respondents stated they do not anticipate finishing their shopping until the 2nd week of December, along with an additional twenty % claimed they will be out shopping until December 24th.
Overall, the public am going to be shopping later in the season and I'll be among the masses. So what type of a crowd can it be? What's the spirits of the consumer in America in late 2007? The information obtained from various polls and surveys does not indicate much holiday cheer.
Increased energy prices, a mortgage loan crisis, and dialogue of a recession have harmed American trust of the overall economy. World events such the war in Iraq, instability in Pakistan, along with a potential conflict with Iran have put into the unease. Furthermore, American consumers will shop this holiday season, mindful that a huge number of items created by American companies in China are recalled because of excessive levels of lead. Usually, Americans go into the holiday season in a dark age defense amazon (similar site) mood, with economic worries, product safety, security fears, as well as the high cost of energy fueling their increasing pessimism.
Thus, with the end user in such a sour mood, it is critical this holiday season to have a survival manual. Here is my list of 12 do's as well as don'ts.
1. Think twice before purchasing apparel as a gift: Over two thirds of individuals intend to buy apparel as a holiday present this year. Customers indicate that clothing is their number one gift idea. But, last season clothing was the most disappointing gift that people received for the holidays. Indeed, more than 50 % of males said they had been disappointed to receive different kinds of clothing for the 2006 holidays like socks, sweaters, and shirts.
2.Give men electronic gifts: Nearly 25 % of males surveyed chose electronic items as their main gift wish for the holidays. They are the preferred holiday item for males. Quite a few males hate receiving apparel, but love electronic presents. Basically, most men are okay with being marginally clothed provided that they can have their electronic toys.
3. Buy females gift cards: This is the best selection holiday gift requested by women, as reported by recent surveys. Unlike most men, numerous females love buying clothes. They would like to buy their very own.