Retailers have cast yet another lure into the pool of American consumers. Green Monday, the second Monday in December, joined Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2007 when sales on that day hit an all-time high for web site, Shopping.com.
Last minute holiday shoppers have found Green Monday to be a lifesaver and the payoff for retailers has proven to be very lucrative. This December 10th is projected to be even greater. Better consumer security measures, on-line and mobile technology, along with related shopping apps, have made on-line shopping more convenient and safer than ever before.
But on-line shopping from PCs may end up taking a back seat to mobile as smartphones are front and center as this year’s mode for holiday shopping.
Vice chairman of Deloitte LLP and distribution sector leader, Alison Paul said, “We anticipate that retailers will increasingly interact with mobile shoppers this holiday season. Deloitte’s research into smartphones’ influence on in store sales indicates that the conversion rate for shoppers who use a retailer’s dedicated mobile application is 21 percent higher than those who do not.”
Also according to Deloitte’s holiday survey of consumer spending intentions and trends, 68 percent of smartphone owners plan to use their device for holiday shopping which Deloitte anticipates will account for $36 billion (or 51 percent of total holiday retail sales).
They will likely spend 72 percent more than those without a smartphone. Almost half of the consumers surveyed plan to shop on line and will be reviewing products before purchasing. Nearly 48 percent of shoppers will be connecting to social media to get gift ideas and look for savings.
FedEx corporation (NYSE : FDX) based in Virginia anticipates Green Monday to bring an increase of approximately 2 million packages above last year’s 17.2 million. The day has become one of their busiest due to the peak in on-line holiday shopping.
Black Friday, Cyber Monday or Green Monday… we’re coming down to the wire so shop wisely to avoid that Frantic Friday final weekend rush.
