Christmas shopping trends

As we come to the close of the business year, we can still hear the last minute Christmas shoppers pounding the pavements of Brunswick Street. I am delighted not to be one of them, I dedicated 2 lunch hours to execute my Christmas list about 3 weeks ago and from the comfort of my ergonomic chair.

Australian reports for Christmas shopping seem few and far between but I have been reading the latest news from the US and UK, The US reported today that online sales dropped in November by 4%, the first five days in December grew by 9% from last year. The US spent a whopping $846 million (AUS $1.27 million) in online shopping on Monday 1st December alone!

Tuesday 1, was the second heaviest day in online shopping history, with sales of $823 million. (AUS $1.25 million)

The 5 buys this year in the US:

- Sport & Fitness, up 35%
• Consumer Electronics, up 24%
• Apparel & Accessories, up 16%
• Toys, up 16%
• Books & Magazines, up 10%

In the UK, exporters are predicting that high street stores will be facing their worst sales in 43 years. Lunchtime on December 8th or "Mega Monday" people were spending over GPB 1 million a minute on line. (AUS $2.24 million)
Monday 15th is expected to be even larger as most retailers are still guaranteeing delivery before Christmas

So in these "tough" economic times, it still seems to be ALOT of money is still being thrown at Santa Claus. People are shopping later into the year and with successful fullfillment practices in place, shoppers can hang on for that last minute bargain.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Rachael Milne, Business Development Manager @ Simple Net.

Sources: Internet Retailing, Internet Retailer

Online Christmas shopping - The Simple Net Guide

This year take the stress out of Christmas shopping and utilise some of the best e-commerce websites on the web. Not only will your purchases be delivered straight to your door you will also find some fantastic bargains. The websites listed below have been personally tested by Simple Net staff and have all come through with flying colours on usability, product range, good prices, security and most importantly excellent delivery!


Fresh Fragrances & Cosmetics
http://www.fragrancesandcosmetics.com.au/



For her: Gwen Stefani LAMB Eau De Parfum Spray $63


For him: Calvin Klein Euphoria Men Eau De Toilette Spray $72



Ella Bleau Jewellery
http://www.ellableaujewellery.com.au/





Sugar Fashions
http://www.sugarfashions.com.au/






Snuggle Bum
http://www.snugglebum.com.au/



Fosters - Carlton Brewhouse
http://www.carltonbrewhouse.com.au/




The Body Shop
http://www.thebodyshop.com.au/




Ozito Power Tools
http://www.ozito.com.au/



Planes, Trains & Automobiles Diecast Models
http://www.planestrainsautomobiles.com.au/




Bubba Mat
http://www.softmats.com.au/




Fenwick Fine Wines
http://www.fenwickwines.com/









The Beauty Club
http://www.thebeautyclub.com.au/




Football Warehouse
http://www.footballwarehouse.com.au/



Coffee for Connoisseurs
http://www.coffeeco.com.au/




Sporty Crew
www.sportycrew.com