Some Christmas shopping may be under way already, survey reports

08/08/2005

Online retailers are expecting Christmas shopping to start any day now, according to a survey conducted by e-commerce technology provider LaGarde.

Online retailers are optimistic about this shopping season, 75% expecting an increase in sales this year over last and 21% expecting a considerable increase.

LaGarde surveyed 100 customers of its StoreFront e-commerce software..

The e-retailers also told LaGarde that they expect October to be the month when they spend the most on holiday promotions.

Most merchants will engage in more than one promotional activity. The breakdown of promotions includes:

" e-mails to customers, used by 65% of respondents
" product sales and discounts, 49%
" free or discounted shipping, 42%
" coupons, 33%
" free gift wrap, 8%
" online gift center, 7%
" other, 26%

As our customers see their holiday sales increase and the selling season expand, they are changing their business plans appropriately, said Bob LaGarde, CEO and founder of LaGarde. The data indicate they are spending more of their promotional dollars earlier and are preparing their inventories and fulfillment processes accordingly.

Source of Article: Internet Retailer

Date of Article: August 5, 2005