Christmas shopping. 
Some people start their Christmas shopping on December 26 the year before. Others wait until Christmas Eve as the stores are closing. I fall somewhere in the middle – picking up some things during the year and then planning a big shopping spree for early- to mid-December.
I don’t know about you, but after Thanksgiving, I avoid the mall like the plague. Some people thrive on the action. There’s a woman in our office who picks a store and goes every day – I love her stories. But, it’s not me. I’ve become extremely dependent on online retailers to make my family and friends’ gift dreams come true, and that has altered the way I shop.
This year, in order to get packages delivered in time to wrap and gift, I need to place my order by December 17th, give or take. Retailers are a huge help – there are tons of free shipping offers. Just today, I received an update from Mashable about tomorrow’s “698 Online Retailers Unite for Free Shipping Day.”
Tonight I am going to scope out the sites and maybe tomorrow I’ll place a few orders to complete my gift lists. Last night I took advantage of Amazon’s free shipping and saved nearly $30 shipping on a $150 order. Not bad.
So, how has this changed the way retailers are marketing to consumers? With access to online shopping comparison sites (for both on-and off-line purchases) and because retailers are no longer dependant on geographic territories, I think the consumer makes out quite well with great prices and great selection. The noise of millions of messages is getting to me – looking forward to some quiet time in early January (before the Valentine’s Day promotions start!) In the meantime, retailers (and the creative folks working for them) need to remember that we are people with a need to fill – hit me with the right message at the right time (and throw in a good price and free shipping) and I will spend my money with you.
What recession?
