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Getting crafty about cutting corners, consumers are changing their approach to holiday shopping. Against a background of intimidating inflation and tariff costs, the traditional peak spending season is moving away from the short, sharp spending spree that it has always been associated with. Instead, shoppers are shunning impulse buys for a more measured, strategic, and information-led approach.
Recent holiday shopping reports help identify these trends. Here’s what they mean for your business’s holiday shopping season strategy.
Important holiday shopping trends for 2025
The distinctive consciousness of the 2025 shopper is defined by three changes: a combination or hybrid of online and in-person shopping, calculated trade-offs to mitigate inflation, and starting the holiday shopping earlier.
These holiday shopping trends introduce a new consumer character that brands must adapt to, and reminds us that dynamism and close attention to consumer sentiment are indispensable.
1. The relationship between hybrid shopping and holiday shopping
Rather than separate options, both online and in-person shopping are playing a part in the customer journey.
Seventy-seven percent of consumers are searching for items on their mobile devices even while in the store. Combining the convenience of online reviews and research with the advantages of in-person purchasing, consumers are blending both worlds to get the best customer experience.
2. Inflation is changing consumer behavior
While many plan to spend less in their holiday shopping this year, another take is that consumers will spend the same, while changing their shopping behavior.
For example, holiday shopping data suggests that 81 percent plan to focus on gift cards this holiday, as more are assessing purchases for their necessity, price, and long-term value.
3. Consumers are beginning holiday shopping earlier
It seems that shoppers are turning their backs on the traditional holiday splurge, that slim seasonal shopping window defined by Black Friday and other flash sales.
The PissedConsumer survey reveals that 46.7 percent of consumers planned to start their holiday shopping between August and October, whereas stores are also changing their calendars to meet this change in buying behavior.
Online reviews affect holiday shopping behaviors
Trust and customer loyalty are even more valuable to your business during times of economic uncertainty. Holiday shopping statistics indicate that consumers are becoming increasingly cautious about where their money goes, and are looking for assurance through social proof found via online reviews and social media.
Indeed, 89 percent of consumers note that negative reviews influence their purchase decisions. A well-executed online review management strategy could shape holiday shopping for your brand more than any other aspect of business.
Understand the new needs
Holiday shopping trends in 2025 are defined by a cautious consumer looking for value, flexibility, and brands that listen. A receptive approach is the answer. The customer experience during the holiday season shopping has to be prioritized, and your brand must satisfy the emerging need for hybrid, value-focused shopping that meets the consumer’s need to feel that their money is being spent prudently and wisely.
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Michael Podolsky
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