Realistic Shopping Trends

With the realty of our economic times, consumers are turning to the Internet more than over to shop and find the best value. A recent study identified a new category of online shoppers resulting from this trend - the “value hunter.”

Research by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, Inc, or (PSB) conducted earlier this year identified the birth of the “recession shopper.” These consumers – some even new to online shopping – claimed that as economic situations worsened, they looked to the Internet to find the best deals.

Now, months later, even as the economy’s vital signs are improving slightly, online shopping behavior shows consumers are still heavily focused on value – including quality, price, convenience and time - making “value” the new core value among online consumers.

The evolution from “recession shopper” to “value hunter” means that consumers who were previously defined as “more likely to buy online" are now looking for value to determine what, and where, they will make their online purchase. Specifically, the research found that:

• 72 percent (72%) of “value hunters” look for the best value regardless of brand

• 51 percent (51%) of “value hunters” look for incentives when making online purchases

• 63 percent (63%) of “value hunters” have purchased something online they wouldn’t have normally because of a special offer.

Additional survey results:

• 68 percent (68%) of online shoppers search for value in the form coupons and special promotions

• 45 percent (45%) of “value hunters” purchase something online once a week or more  

• 47 percent (47%) of shoppers prefer shopping online to shopping in-store

• 22 percent (22%) of shoppers plan to make more purchases online this year compared to last year.

For more info on this study click here.  

Based on current research and events, and the reality that is online shopping, this blog is dedicated to The Modern Shopper aka the Recession Shopper aka the Value Hunter. Visit often as we feature products that are high quality and low cost, meaning 100% worth your hard-earned money and the best DEAL possible! We do the hunting for you!