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April 22, 2008
As Gas Prices Go Up, More Consumers Turn to Online Shopping
By Stefania Viscusi, Assignment Desk Editor
With gas prices increasing almost daily, and no signs of slowing, many consumers are finding themselves needing to reduce travel in order to maintain their spending.
One area being hit by this reduction is the American attitude towards shopping.
In fact, according to the latest iCongo consumer survey conducted by Harris Interactive (News - Alert), 33 percent of online U.S. adults said they are more likely to shop online rather than in-person at a store because of the high price of gasoline.
Also, the survey shows that despite speculation, consumers are planning on spending their U.S. federal tax rebate, if they receive one.
"While there has been much speculation that consumers will seek to avoid making retail purchases, our survey found a healthy number do plan to do so. Whether purchases are made online or in a store, these rebate checks are going to have an effect on the overall economy," said Irwin Kramer, founder and CEO of iCongo.
However, according to Kramer, more shoppers may turn to online shopping to spend their rebate checks if the survey's findings are any indication of their attitudes.
According to the survey's findings, 57 percent of respondents said they value free shipping and 55 percent said they value the lower prices available online as a reason for turning to online shopping versus in store. Also, 61 percent of respondents said they'd choose shopping online for the ability to shop at any time as a preference over in store shopping.
"Based on these results, it's fair to say that consumers may be looking to fire up their computer more often than their car or truck when it comes to retail shopping," said Kramer. "One in three adults said high gas prices are making them more likely to shop online instead of in a store - a clear indication that gas prices are having an effect on shopping attitudes."
iCongo develops e-business systems and software that allows companies to effectively and efficiently transact business over the Internet. Their solutions include B2C and B2B e-commerce systems, retail cross-channel systems and a comprehensive suite of Internet marketing applications.
Stefania Viscusi is an established writer and avid reader. To see more of her articles, please visit Stefania Viscusi’s columnist page.
iCongo develops e-business systems and software that allows companies to effectively and efficiently transact business over the Internet. Their solutions include B2C and B2B e-commerce systems, retail cross-channel systems and a comprehensive suite of Internet marketing applications.
Stefania Viscusi is an established writer and avid reader. To see more of her articles, please visit Stefania Viscusi’s columnist page.
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