Two out of five people intend to shop for deals on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, according to new research figures published by .IE.
23% of the respondents said that they intend to go shopping on Black Friday, 3% are eyeing Cyber Monday deals and 14% are in the market for deals on both days.
Of the 1,000 consumers surveyed, 22% said that they are still undecided, while 38% have no intention to search for marked down products.
David Curtin, chief executive of .IE, said, “Despite the very apparent cost-of-living crisis, our research found that consumer sentiment for Christmas shopping is not entirely gloomy. 40% of those we surveyed plan to shop for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, with a portion of people still undecided.”
Younger people under the age of 24 are most likely to go bargain hunting on the last weekend of November, the research showed, with two-thirds of that age bracket admitting that they are planning to shop over the period.
That figure is followed by 53% of people between the ages of 25-34 planning to go shopping for deals and 46% of people between the ages of 35-44 intending to do likewise.
Online Shopping Trends
The survey findings showed that approximately one in three plan to do their shopping online.
According to the research, 20% of the consumers intend to shop with a mix of both international and Irish retailers in the run-up to Christmas, while 7% are planning to buy their items online from Irish retailers only.
Nearly four out of every tenth person in this group of committed online shoppers are under 34 compared to one in four who are 35 and older, keeping with the trend of younger shoppers placing more value on digital channels when it comes to making purchases.
“Looking ahead to December’s Christmas run-in, online shopping is the preferred route for younger 18 to 34-year-old consumers who are digital natives and generally place more value on those purchasing channels," he added.
In-Store Shopping
One-third of people surveyed intend to do their shopping mostly in-store.
24% said that they intend to shop mostly locally in-store from Irish retailers after enduring two Christmas periods under social restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those over 35 are more likely to shop in-store compared to their younger counterparts, the survey indicated.
Shoppers To 'Remain Vigilant'
Curtin warned that it is extremely important that consumers should 'remain vigilant against opportunistic cybercriminals' looking to take advantage of online shoppers this Christmas.
"When it comes to buying gifts online, it’s safer to shop with trusted retailers and recognisable brands," he said.
"If you think your account has been compromised, always contact your bank immediately.”
© 2022 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more technology news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
