Maybe it is the gas prices.

A new report highlights that the internet is becoming increasingly important as a tool for research before purchase and for driving consumer choice.

The research asked questions and opinion from more than two million online shoppers across a broad range of retailers about their Christmas shopping habits in 2008. Highlighting the current economic slowdown as the key influencing factor, 68% of shoppers said that they are more likely to shop online for Christmas presents this year, with 77% of shoppers planning to carry out about half or more of their Christmas shopping online (in 2007 it was 56%). This is influenced by the belief in the competitive prices available online, with 79% of respondents satisfied with the competitive pricing available from e-retailers.

The research also highlights that the internet is becoming increasingly important as a tool for research before purchase and for driving consumer choice. The internet will be used by 86% of shoppers surveyed to research Christmas shopping options before buying in-store, and vice versa 59% stated they plan to research gift options in-store before buying online.

Interestingly, the research also reveals that 58% of respondents are looking to commence their Christmas shopping earlier this year, to spread the cost, citing the economic slowdown as the main reason.

Overall, the e-CSI Index reveals the number of respondents satisfied with shopping online is high at 79%, with those happy with the delivery of products by online retailers at 80%, and the number of those pleased with the range of products available online at 84%. In addition, 74% are satisfied with security offered by web retailers and 76% are happy with the help available on websites provided by online retailers when they have a query.

Source: IMRG Research

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