Consumer are looking for “value” this year when making
Christmas purchases, according to the “Annual Holiday Survey” from market research
company NPD.

Sixty percent of respondents said that “value for price”
will influence where they shop for holiday gifts, followed by special sale
price (58 percent), convenient location (47 percent), and quality of products
they offer (42 percent).

“Last year, consumers wanted to spend as little as
possible on gifts,” noted NPD chief industry analyst Marshal Cohen.
“This year they are being more selective about where they spend.”

As to where they will shop, 54 percent plan to browse
discount stores, and 35 percent will buy online – roughly the same percentages
as last year.

JCK