The gradual economic recovery shows promise that overall consumer spending will increase during the 2013 holiday season, according to Larry Freed, President and CEO of ForeSee. Freed presented during the first session of the Retail TouchPoints Holiday Connected Consumer Series, taking place September 16-19.
During the webinar, Freed explained that during the 2012 holiday season, 89% of all sales happened in-store, while a smaller percentage of sales were completed online (10%) and via mobile (1%). He added that in 2013, e-Commerce and mobile sales are expected to reach 12% and 2%, respectively, while brick-and-mortar sales will rest at 86%.
In the Q&A-style session, titled: How To Get On The Top Of Consumers’ Wish Lists For Holiday 2013, Freed shared insights around how retailers can drive sales and engagement through mobile, social, the web and brick-and-mortar stores.
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Freed explained that although consumers will be more willing to make purchases during the holiday season, retailers are faced with one primary challenge: Providing a compelling and seamless experience across all channels. To truly succeed, businesses must ensure price, merchandise selection and availability, marketing and service are uniform across all channels.
“Consumers think of a brand, not just a channel,” Freed said. “The expectation for consistency across all channels is higher than ever. And if retailers don’t deliver that great customer experience, they’ll lose out this holiday season.”
Retailers also are expected to hold sales, daily deals and door-busters earlier and more frequently. Because the 2013 holiday season is approximately six days shorter than 2012, retailers will have “more of an incentive to release discounts and promotions earlier,” Freed said. “Before we know it, the holiday season will start in September.”
Click here to access the on-demand presentation, and register to attend four other Holiday Connected Consumer Series sessions, either live or on-demand.
