Press ReleaseDecember 12, 2018

Now on the Lap Top Click, Click, Click: Most Americans will do Half or More Holiday Shopping Online

Washington, DC (December 12, 2018) – Nearly 40 percent of Americans say they’ll do most or all their holiday shopping this year online, according to the Job Creators Network/ScottRasmussen.com Weekly Pulse, released today.

 

“That’s really an eye-popping statistic,” said Elaine Parker, President of the Job Creators Foundation. “Not only has technology changed the economy in profound ways, but it’s changing what used to be a holiday tradition for Americans.”

 

The Pulse found that 13 percent of Americans plan to do all their shopping online. Twenty-six percent say that’s the way they’ll get most of their presents. And another 22 percent say half of their gifts will be purchased online.

 

“Millions of Americans will do all of their holiday shopping without ever leaving their homes,” said pollster Scott Rasmussen. “That has big implications for brick-and-mortar businesses that rely on foot-traffic, and for the broader retail industry.”

 

The Pulse also found that almost 30 percent of Americans say half or more of the presents they’ll give this year will be gift cards. Forty-two percent say the gift cards will be from small businesses.

 

“That’s a very positive sign from our perspective,” said Parker. “We saw last month that Americans felt strongly about shopping at small businesses and they seem to be following through, based on the data.”

 

According to the survey, 68 percent of Americans also think it’s important to buy American for the holidays.

 

“We also find that 19 percent of Americans plan to spend more than they did last year, which is another indication of a strong economy,” said Rasmussen. “About two thirds say they will spend about the same amount. That tells me that Americans feel comfortable in this economy spending their money.”

 

With two weeks to go until Christmas, 61 percent of Americans say they’re almost or completely done with their shopping. Despite the speed and convenience of technology, however, 18 percent say they haven’t bought a thing yet.

 

“The one thing that technology hasn’t changed are the last-minute shoppers,” said Parker. “No matter how Americans do their shopping, we’re very glad that they’re thinking about small businesses.”

 

For more information about the Job Creators Network, please visit www.jobcreatorsnetwork.com.

 

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