“Unemployment is high and consumers are sacrificing this year but it appears that consumers still want their gadgets and they’re willing to stand in line to get them providing the price is right,” Retrevo reports. “The latest Retrevo Gadgetology study asked consumers what was on their holiday wish lists and how much they were planning to spend on gadgets and gadget accessories. We discovered that certain groups of consumers are more likely to buy electronics and shop in stores this holiday season and Black Friday.”
Retrevo reports, “When we asked consumers if they were going to be spending more, less or about the same as last year, most categories appear to be just as popular this year as last especially clothing, movies, and games. On the other hand, travel and electronics could see some changes this holiday season. Electronics shows the biggest increase and travel the biggest decline with 16% of respondents saying they will spend more on electronics and 28% saying they will spend less on travel.”
“Apple could have a very good holiday season,” Retrevo reports. “When the study asked what was on consumers’ wish lists this year the product on the top of most people’s electronics wish lists was a tablet followed closely by a laptop, HDTV set, and smartphone. Netbooks and 3DTVs were lowest on the lists.”
“More than 50% of just about everyone that responded to the study indicated they are going to buying some electronics this holiday season,” Retrevo reports. “The largest groups of gadget buyers this year include under 34 year olds, males and iPhone owners.”
Retrevo reports, “Whether it’s a sign of a recovering economy or just increasing popularity of deals, it looks like more consumers are planning on shopping both online and at the store this year compared to last year. The Gadgetology study found shopping at stores should grow from 30% last year to 35% this year while online numbers look even better rising to 43% from 33% for last Black Friday. The National Retail Federation agrees it’s going to be better this year however, twice as many respondents to the Gadgetology study said they’d rather shop online on Black Friday than go to the store.”
Full article here.