Survey: Americans prefer in-store gift purchases

Matthews, N.C. – Americans prefer to make most gift purchases in stores close to home. Seven-in-10 consumers in a recent survey conducted for Family Dollar say they describe themselves as in-person shoppers, while only 30% say they would be best characterized as online shoppers.



Also, more than half of surveyed consumers say they expect to travel 10 miles or less when looking for the majority of their gifts this season. During the holiday season, 93% of consumers consider spending time at home to be more important than traveling, which is favored by 59% of consumers. More than three-in-five consumers shop for stocking stuffers, and those shoppers find these five factors to be the most important in making their stocking stuffer selections: deals or specials offered; candy selection; coupons available; small electronics; and gift cards selection. Nearly half of consumers start holiday shopping after Thanksgiving.



"The National Retail Federation reported that Americans took advantage of early holiday sales but spent less than last year, indicating that economic conditions still impact consumers' ability to spend," said Jocelyn Wong, senior VP and CMO, Family Dollar.