Gen Z May Be Most Generous Gift Givers This Holiday Season, Says Shopify
The seasonal survey asked consumers how, when, and where they’ll shop for holiday gifts.
The Shopify-Gallup Holiday Shopping Pulse is a series of surveys conducted among U.S. consumers to gauge how they’re feeling about the upcoming season.
For the first survey in September, Shopify asked consumers how, when, and where they’ll be shopping for gifts.
From plans to “shop small” to the top gifts, here’s what the 1,761 respondents said.
Despite the tough economic climate, most shoppers won’t cut back on their spending.
Consumers are battling rising interest rates and prices, but it hasn’t put a damper on the holiday spirit.
Nearly three in four (74 percent) said they plan to spend the same or more on holiday gifts this year compared with last year.
Gen Z is ready to spend, especially on social media.
The adult Gen Zers, ages 18 to 29, will be the “most resilient” spenders this year, said Shopify.
Thirty-seven percent of the generation plan to spend more than last year, which is nearly double the average across all age groups.
This age group also was the most likely to shop for holiday gifts on social media platforms.
Nearly half (48 percent) plan to buy at least some gifts through social media compared with one-third of all shoppers.
Get those holiday deals started early.
Gen Z shoppers also will be the most likely to respond to holiday deals, said Shopify.
Nearly half (48 percent) said they would “probably” or “definitely” start shopping earlier if retailers held holiday deals and promotions.
“That’s a wake-up call for retailers to make better use of earlier deals specifically to cater to this group,” said Shopify.
Though other age groups do respond to earlier promotions, the average across all age groups was lower at 28 percent.
As for when holiday shopping will start, 41 percent of respondents plan to start shopping this month or earlier, followed by 39 percent in November, and 20 percent in December.
“Shopping small” is still in fashion, as is shopping online.
Nearly one in four shoppers (23 percent) ranked shopping with small and local businesses as the No.1 reason they would choose one retailer over another.
Shopify recommended retailers take advantage of this preference by creating promotions for Small Business Saturday, which falls on Nov. 25 this year.
Though brick-and-mortar stores will see their share of holiday shoppers, the “lion’s share” of holiday shopping is expected to be done online, according to the survey.
Nearly everyone surveyed (93 percent) said they plan to buy “some” gifts online, while about half (47 percent) will buy “all” or “most” of their gifts online.
People are in the holiday spirit.
Shopify also uses its data to track monthly retail trends. In September, as shoppers shifted from summer to fall, it highlighted a few trending items.
“Fall and winter holiday items were top sellers as people got ready to celebrate,” said Shopify.
In time for Halloween, costume sales were up 262 percent month-over-month, with mask sales up 60 percent.
Shoppers also were interested in holiday decorations, up 76 percent from August. Sales of holiday stockings (up 98 percent) and wreaths (up 101 percent) also were on the rise.
For those doing early holiday shopping, tech and toys were at the top of the list.
Sales of play vehicles (toy trucks, toy cars, etc.) were up 178 percent month-over-month, while phone and tablet accessories, like tripods, also were trending, with sales up 225 percent.
The Latest
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.