Online vs. In-Store Holiday Shopping: Key Timeline Differences

Holiday shopping has evolved, with 74% of consumers blending online and in-store methods. Online shopping offers convenience and 24/7 access, but shipping deadlines can cause stress. In-store shopping provides instant access, extended holiday hours, and a hands-on experience for last-minute purchases. Here's what you need to know:

• Online Pros: Easy price comparison, 24/7 access, tools like BOPIS for quick pickups.
• In-Store Pros: Immediate product access, extended holiday hours, personal assistance.
• Key Dates: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Green Monday, and Super Saturday drive both methods.
• Shipping Deadlines: Major carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS have strict cutoff dates for guaranteed delivery.

Quick Comparison

Plan early for online purchases to avoid shipping delays, and use in-store shopping for last-minute needs. Combining both methods ensures a smoother holiday season.

Shopping online vs. in stores: Finding holiday deals

Online vs. In-Store Shopping Dates

Holiday shopping now follows distinct patterns for online and in-store purchases. Understanding these timelines can help you save money and ensure your gifts arrive on time.

Major Shopping Events

Traditional shopping events have evolved, blending both online and in-store trends. For example, Black Friday saw online sales hit $10.8 billion - a 10.2% increase compared to the previous year . Cyber Monday was even bigger, with shoppers spending $15.8 million per minute at its peak and total sales reaching $12.4 billion. Mobile transactions made up 57% of these sales .

"With the growth of online shopping, online-only players like Amazon were looking for a way to capitalize on Thanksgiving weekend sales. The Monday after Thanksgiving became dedicated to online sales, differentiating it from Black Friday."
– Katherine Cullen, NRF's vice president of industry and consumer insights

Key shopping dates now include the following:

These dates highlight how online and in-store shopping differ in terms of focus and consumer behavior.

Shopping Start Times

When shoppers begin their holiday research and purchases also plays a big role in shaping strategies. Many people start looking for Black Friday deals as early as September or October, with retailers kicking off online promotions on Thanksgiving night .

"While Cyber Monday remained the season's and year's biggest online shopping day, year-over-year growth was stronger on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Early discounts were strong enough that many consumers felt comfortable hitting the buy button earlier on during Cyber Week."
– Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights

Mobile shopping has become a key part of the holiday season. Green Monday is the last day for guaranteed Christmas delivery , while Super Saturday caters to last-minute shoppers who prefer buying in-store for immediate access .

Shipping Deadlines vs. Store Hours

During the holiday season, shipping deadlines and extended store hours play a major role in shopping decisions. In fact, 54% of shoppers worry about shipping delays .

Shipping Cutoff Calendar

Major carriers have set firm deadlines to guarantee Christmas delivery .

"As the holiday season approaches, it's crucial for consumers to be prepared and aware of shipping deadlines to ensure their gifts arrive on time." - Nick Spitzman, Stamps.com's general manager

For Alaska and Hawaii, shipping deadlines come earlier. For example, USPS Priority Mail Express ends on December 20 for these locations, compared to December 21 for the mainland U.S. .

When these deadlines pass, many shoppers head to physical stores to finish their holiday shopping.

Last-Minute Store Options

To accommodate last-minute shoppers, many stores extend their hours in the days leading up to Christmas. Most even stay open late on Christmas Eve .

"If you haven't finished - or started - your holiday shopping, Target has your back." - Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Target

Hybrid Solutions for Last-Minute Shoppers:

• Same-day delivery in over 90 metro areas through Amazon
• Store pickup options
• Curbside service available through Christmas Eve

If you're cutting it really close, digital solutions like e-gift cards are available for purchase and delivery right up until December 25. As Katie Roberts, consumer analyst with DealNews.com, explains: "Many retailers let you buy online and use in-store and/or curbside pickup, and these let you skip shipping costs altogether!"

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Store Hours vs. Online Access

Physical stores may extend their hours during the holidays, but they can't compete with the round-the-clock availability of online shopping.

Holiday Store Hours

Retailers often keep their doors open longer during the holiday season to cater to last-minute shoppers. Despite these extended hours, physical stores are still bound by their operating schedules. Interestingly, 45% of shoppers still prefer to buy in-store, with 72% visiting physical stores weekly .

"Being able to see what you're buying, how big it is, or if it's clothing, if it's soft or blankets or whatever, being able to see them. definitely better that way."

For many, the in-store experience is about more than just shopping. In fact, 54% of consumers find in-store shopping more enjoyable than online alternatives . This hands-on approach offers key advantages:

While these benefits are appealing, they come with the limitation of set store hours. On the other hand, online shopping offers a completely different experience.

Online Shopping Tools

The convenience of online shopping has reshaped how people buy gifts during the holidays. In 2023, consumers spent a staggering $1.243 trillion online, with e-commerce making up 15.4% of total retail spending . Why? The advantages are hard to ignore:

• 73% shop online for convenience
• 65% choose it to save time
• By 2026, 24% of all retail purchases are expected to happen online

The final quarter of 2023 alone saw $285.2 billion in e-commerce sales, setting new records . As shopper Cassandra Harrell puts it:

"Online prices are often lower, though disparities depend on local sales."

Modern tools like GiftList make online shopping even easier. These platforms let users create and share gift lists, track special occasions, and coordinate with family - all without worrying about store hours . Other features like price comparisons, product reviews, and multi-retailer shopping add to the convenience.

With 24/7 availability and tools that simplify planning, online shopping continues to gain traction, especially during the hectic holiday season. These differences highlight the contrasting strategies shoppers use for last-minute and on-demand purchases.

Last-Minute Shopping Guide

Did you know that 40% of customers don’t know holiday shipping deadlines? This makes last-minute shopping a reality for many.

Rush Shipping and Pickup

Omnichannel retail has completely changed the game for last-minute shoppers. Services like Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) have skyrocketed in popularity, with a 119% increase across retailers and some seeing growth as high as 250% . These options make last-minute shopping much easier:

Take Office Depot, for example. Their BOPIS service boasts a 98.9% success rate, making online orders available in just 20 minutes . It’s no wonder 67% of holiday shoppers use BOPIS to skip long lines and get gifts on time . And when shipping deadlines are missed, digital gift options step in as a perfect backup.

Digital Gift Options

When shipping isn’t an option, digital gifts save the day. Platforms like GiftList make it easy for last-minute shoppers to:

• Browse curated gift guides for fast choices
• Get personalized recommendations using AI
• Track special occasions to avoid future last-minute stress

Electronic gift cards are also booming, with more retailers offering instant delivery options . These tools ensure no one shows up empty-handed.

Quick Store Shopping Tips

If you prefer shopping in person, efficiency is a must - especially during extended holiday hours. Research shows that 85% of BOPIS users make extra purchases when picking up their orders , proving that smart planning pays off.

"We're pleased with the trends we've seen at the start of the holiday season", says Meghan Frank, CFO at Lululemon .

Here’s how to make the most of your in-store trip:

• Check Store Inventory: Use retailer websites to confirm availability before you go.
• Plan Your Route: Map out your shopping path to save time.
• Use Mobile Payment: Speed through checkout with digital payment methods.

Conclusion

Key Insights

Shoppers today mix online and in-store methods, adjusting to changing retail habits. Recognizing how timelines differ between these methods is key to smoother holiday gift shopping.

Here’s what the data shows: 90% of consumers start shopping before December, with 31% kicking off in October . Each shopping method comes with its own timing and expectations:

These patterns highlight the importance of planning ahead to avoid last-minute stress.

Tools for Better Gift Planning

To stay on top of tight timelines, digital tools can be a big help. They simplify the process of managing both online and in-store purchases.

"More than ever, holiday shoppers will be utilizing all shopping channels and resources to maximize their spending ability and overall shopping experience", says Marshal Cohen, chief retail advisor for Circana .

Platforms like GiftList make holiday planning easier by offering universal wish lists and AI-driven suggestions. These tools help streamline your experience, ensuring you can balance both shopping channels effectively.

It’s worth noting that 73% of shoppers avoid retailers with poor delivery or return policies . This makes proper planning - and the right tools - essential for a hassle-free shopping season.