Citi Retail Services Study: Americans Say In-Store Holiday Shopping is Tradition

Actualizado: 30 Nov 2023, 13:01 PM EST Publicado: 16 Nov 2016, 08:52 AM EST

Nationwide Survey finds that even online shoppers are still going
to stores

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New research commissioned by Citi Retail Services reveals that
three-quarters (75%) of Americans believe shopping in a store is one of
the best ways to get in the holiday spirit, while more than half (58%)
say that online shopping takes some of the fun out of holiday shopping.

The survey of 1,000 U.S adults over the age of 18 also shows that more
than 9 in 10 (95%) of Americans will buy at least one gift in store this
holiday season, and that over half of holiday gifts (52%), on average,
will be purchased at a store instead of online. More than three-quarters
(79%) said that shopping in a store over the holidays is just as much
about the experience as finding the right gifts.

Interestingly, when asked about American family traditions, many (42%)
respondents indicate that visiting a store as a family to shop or view
holiday decorations is even more common than singing holiday songs or
carols (25%).

“Despite all the online and mobile shopping options available today,
when it comes to the busy holiday shopping period, Americans are still
making their way to the stores for in-person customer service, deals,
and to get in the holiday spirit,” said Leslie McNamara, Managing
Director, Business and Market Development at Citi Retail Services. “We
see retailers across the country embracing this tradition and investing
in exceptional in-store experiences.”

The nostalgia of holiday shopping is a determining factor for many
Americans, as 65% of respondents, including nearly three-quarters (74%)
of parents, feel that some of their best holiday memories are from
shopping trips with family or friends. When asked why they would visit
stores this year, decorations (66%), holiday ambience (44%) and holiday
music (34%) were among the top reasons.

“American shoppers clearly see holiday shopping as a unique and special
activity, and retailers are seizing this opportunity to build long-term
customer relationships by providing memorable shopping experiences for
their customers,” concluded McNamara.

Citi Retail Services delivers consumer and commercial credit card
products, both private label and co-brand, to retailers and their
clients across North America. Backed by the global power of Citi, the
business serves nearly 90 million accounts for a number of iconic
brands, including Best Buy, ExxonMobil, Macy’s, Sears, Shell and The
Home Depot. Citi Retail Services offers cutting-edge digital options,
multi-channel retailing expertise and industry-leading data analytics
capabilities that help retailers from a broad range of industries grow
their businesses.

About the Survey

The survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 U.S. adults
ages 18+, between October 25th and October 28th, 2016.

About Citi

Citi [NYSE:C], the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million
customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and
jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and
institutions with a broad range of financial products and services,
including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking,
securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Contacts

Media:
Citi
Deirdre Leahy, 212.559.3296
deirdre.leahy@citi.com