Shoppers are returning to brick-and-mortar stores in significant numbers this holiday amid a notable cutback in post-election seasonal spending, according to a new consumer survey by First Insight, a provider of customer-driven AI intelligence. The research reveals a 53% increase in consumers who plan to shop only in-stores compared to last year, while intentions to shop only online dropped 21%.
“This year’s holiday season highlights a return to the essentials—competitive pricing and convenience,” said Greg Petro, CEO of First Insight. “Our insights reveal not only a strong preference for in-store shopping and the growing importance of loyalty programs but also suggests a willingness to invest in premium services like faster shipping. Retailers who adapt to these shifts by providing exceptional experiences and meaningful value will emerge as leaders during the critical year-end shopping season.”
While in-store shopping is expected to experience a major resurgence this holiday season, nearly half (48%) of shoppers plan to visit both physical and digital stores to check off their holiday lists. The study also looked at the growing import of loyalty programs on holiday shopping, the waning influence of social-media and the rising number of shoppers waiting and looking for last-minute deals, among other trends.
Click here for more from the First Insight study, which drew responses from a nationally representative sample of 1560 U.S. consumers between Nov. 6-8.
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
