Holiday researching is starting earlier and earlier. We've been surveying shoppers every 2 weeks to track progress of their holiday shopping and as of October 19:



Source: Google/Ipsos OTX Consumer Pulse Check.

The biggest takeway is that researching/shopping started even earlier than last year. By October 19, 73% of consumers had started researching/shopping vs. 59% in 2009. Purchasing remains more consistent: 51% in 2010 vs. 46% in 2009. Although retailers will see a bulk of their sales in December, consumers are beginning to make decisions about what they are going to buy, and half have already bought a holiday gift.

Source: Google/OTX Consumer Pulse Check.

And why are consumers shopping earlier? They want to know they’ll get the items they want, and beat the rush. Consumers want more time to choose, research and decide. And they believe they can get better deals if they start researching earlier.

Many retailers launched their holiday sites and promotions over the past week including Toys R'Us, Macy's and Best Buy. With Christmas just 46 days away, its time to get your holiday messaging into the marketplace!

Posted by Heidi Spector, Google Retail Team