Consumers are returning to their in-store shopping routines, according to a recent Mastercard survey, but 56% of respondents continue to prioritize online shopping this holiday season.
Fear of out of stocks is not the prime reason, however. Those who are leaning toward online shopping cited waiting in lines, at 72%, finding parking, 65% and, then, items being out of stock, at 47%, as primary reasons for digital browsing and buying. When selecting gifts this holiday season, 48% of shoppers said they’re more likely to give gift cards versus years past, and 69% said they are focused on charitable and cause-related giving.
The Mastercard survey findings included:
- A majority of shoppers, at 63%, said they are more likely to buy a gift card/prepaid card rather than a physical or experiential gift this year, and 41% said gift cards are the top item on their own wish lists. Gift cards are the top present consumers are giving to parents/grandparents, with 21% of consumers saying they had tapped that option. Gift cards also are the top choice for siblings, other relatives and best friends, all at 23%, as well as coworkers, at 16%, and clients, at 12%.
- One in five shoppers would like a gift that gives back to a good cause this year, a level of interest that’s higher than it has been in the past, Mastercard noted. Millennials are more likely to prioritize giving back with 27% saying gifts that give back to a good cause are higher on their wish list. next are Gen Xers at 15% and Boomers at 18%.
- Charitable causes shoppers are most interested in supporting include wildlife conservation, at 37%, and environmental protection, health and food banks, and social services, all at 30%.
