Buy gifts online to save cash

The majority of Canadians will use their personal computers, tablets and smartphones as shopping tools this holiday season, an Accenture survey shows.

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Nearly three-quarters of Canadian holiday shoppers plan to review items online before buying them at a store. And 63% will also visit a store to look for a gift and then buy it for the best price online.

Nearly one-third intend to use their tablet, smartphone, or both as a holiday shopping tool this year. But when it comes to the actual purchase, 64% of consumers who find the best deal online will use their home computer at home.

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Shoppers who said they would use a tablet or smartphone for their holiday shopping are using them to compare prices in store, avoid crowded stores and find better discounts or deals. They’re also going digital to shop with more convenience, receive mobile text reminders on sales and alerts for in-stock items.

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The survey also found:

• Online vs. retail store shopping: 74% of Canadians will do at least some online shopping this holiday season. Of these people, 26% will make at least half of their purchases online, rather than in retail stores. Canadians said they would buy more holiday gifts online if retailers offered free shipping (63%) and discounted items compared to in-store prices (56%).

• Gift cards popular this season: 74% of people plan on purchasing a gift card this holiday season, with 68% buying the gift card in-store, and fewer (19%) planning to buy a gift card online. About half (47%) of all respondents plan to buy up to three gift cards.

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.