iCongo, Inc., a leading developer of e-business systems and software, today released the results of a consumer survey conducted on their behalf by Harris Interactive(R) that shows the surge in gasoline prices will sharply cut consumers' holiday spending and drive more shoppers online. (pun intended?)

As a result of increasing gasoline prices, nearly 3 in 4 online adults, 73 percent, expect their holiday shopping habits to change in some way, for example, by spending less on gifts (42 percent) and doing more one-stop shopping (40 percent).

Findings show more than one in three online adults (36 percent) are now more likely to shop online rather than in-person as a result of the increasing price of gasoline.

The iCongo survey also shows that nearly nine in ten online adults, 88 percent, currently shop online and, of those, the majority, 96 percent, are more likely to shop online than in-person at a store.  Here's why:
  • 69 percent of online shoppers prefer the ability to shop at any time as a reason they are more likely to shop online;
  • 60 percent said free shipping is a reason they are more likely to shop online; and,
  • 59 percent of online shoppers said lower prices drive them to shop online over in a store.
  • E-retailers frequently offer free or discounted shipping and online-only pricing to drive consumer interest in online shopping.

    For full survey results, please email your request to
    harrispoll@icongo.com.

    "Painful gas prices are hitting consumers' pocketbooks and impacting spending habits," said Irwin Kramer, founder and CEO of iCongo. "Our survey shows that 73 percent of all online adults expect their holiday shopping habits to change--a dramatic indication that gas prices are deeply impacting shoppers' attitudes." According to this data, regardless of age, gender, region of the country or income, high gas prices are driving many consumers to shop online.

Posted by John B. Frank Wednesday, August 6, 2008

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