American Express: Holiday shopping on smartphones and tablets up 53% in two years

New York -- Using smartphones and tablets to shop for the holidays has grown by 53% since 2012, and is expected to play a big role in decision making and actual purchases this year, according to the American Express Spending & Saver Tracker. The report finds the average American consumer is back to holiday spending at 2012 levels, and will plan to shell out $842 this year (vs. $1,260 in 2013 and $848 in 2012).



Consumers saying they will use their gadgets to:



• Make purchases (+ 46% since 2013)

• Access deals through a mobile app (+ 46% since 2013)

• Visit different websites to compare prices (+23% since 2013)

• Browse for gift ideas (+8% since 2013)

Make purchases (+ 46% since 2013)

• Access deals through a mobile app (+ 46% since 2013)

• Visit different websites to compare prices (+23% since 2013)

• Browse for gift ideas (+8% since 2013)

• The report cautions that retailers may see a slower-than-normal Thanksgiving week, as less than half of Americans plan to shop Black Friday (48% vs. 52% in 2013), and even fewer say they will shop Cyber Monday (46% vs. 55% in 2013), dropping for the first time since 2010.


• However, more than a quarter of shoppers report they started holiday shopping before October (on par with 2013). And 60% will continue shopping in the final stretch from December 15 - December 24 (vs. 58% in 2013), including 7% who expect to shop on Christmas Eve (vs. 4% in 2013).



Gift lists overall are getting shorter as Americans say they will buy presents for fewer people in their lives this year (average of eight vs. nine in 2013). And though down from last year, gift cards are still the most popular present (55% vs. 61% in 2013). After gift cards, the top gifts this year are clothing and accessories, toys and games, electronics and music.