Surveys

Gen Z May Be Most Generous Gift Givers This Holiday Season, Says Shopify

SurveysOct 17, 2023

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.

Wrapped holiday gift boxes
Conducted in September, the first Shopify-Gallup Holiday Shopping Pulse survey of the season asked 1,761 consumers about their shopping plans for the upcoming holidays.
New York—Ahead of the holidays, e-commerce company Shopify asked consumers about their seasonal spending plans.

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.

 Related stories will be right here … 

“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

Harwell Godfrey
IndependentsMay 01, 2024
Harwell Godfrey Opens First Store

It is located in Marin County, California.

Syna emerald earrings
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on Emeralds

May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.

Jacqui Larsson Looking at a Diamond
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director

Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

national-jeweler-top-image-v1.jpg
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of Jewelers

Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Tiffany Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste Wings Pendant
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue Book

The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.

Zales 100th Anniversary Marketing Campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New Campaign

The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Tim Schlick
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEO

Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.

Canadian Jewellers Association logo
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit

It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.

Supplier Spotlight -GIA -Recorded-Webinar.png
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your Business

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

De Beers polished in tweezers
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to Botswana

Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.

Simone I. Smith SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection

“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.

Venus Jewelers Logo
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 Years

The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.

Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Inlay Necklace
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Necklace

The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.

Gemological Institute of America headquarters
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are Converging

The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.

De Beers Venetia diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo

Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.

Lisa Bridge and Alexis Padis at AGS Conclave 2024
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President

Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.

Jesse Cole Savannah Bananas
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana

Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.

John Mayer Audemars Piguet
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition Watch

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024

The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.

Jared Goff Presents Jared Jewelers’ Donation to Give Merit
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to Jared

The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.

Stock image of police crime scene tape
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High

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.

Kirsty Hume models Pippa Small Venus collection
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ Collection

Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.

Pomellato Pom Pom Dot necklaces
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1

The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.

JCK Industry Fund Logo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.

Aerial shot of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues

The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy