It has long been argued that men and women differ greatly when it comes to shopping, but how are they really distinct?
The first major
difference is that most women actually look forward to holiday shopping, 60%;
while only 42% of men do. However, this does not mean women are the only ones
shopping. Also, women relate more to Santa Claus than men, while men relate
more to the Grinch.
Everyone hates long
lines at the mall, but men seem to be turning more toward online shopping to
lessen the hassle. Interestingly enough, while women will do more shopping
online, men will actually be spending more money. Men spend an average of $326
online, while women will only spend $284, a difference of 15%. Men also plan to
spend $592 this holiday season, with women only spending $547. Men are also
more likely to buy large ticket items when compared to women, not only for
gifts, but for personal use as well.
There are also
other differences in what each sex is actually buying online and in the stores.
Men buy more consumer electronics, 27%, compared to women at 19%. So, it is
mostly men buying gadgets like digital cameras, video games, or camcorders.
However, women are more likely to purchase clothing than men, 77% to 70%, and
books, 49% to 36%. While men buying consumer electronics was probably no
surprise, women buying more decorations is probably not either, 34% of women
compared to only 18% of men. Apparently, women are doing a little more
decorating than men.
Women also
typically get a jump start on holiday shopping, while men usually wait until
December. Only 19% of women wait until December to shop, as compared to 32 % of
men. Sixty-five percent of women usually plan to start holiday shopping before
Thanksgiving, while only 49% of men do. There are also a larger number of men
that wait until the last week before Christmas to buy gifts as compared to
women.
Another significant
difference between men and women is how they react to shopping budgets. More
women, 21%, are concerned about going over their spending budgets on holiday
gifts, while only 16% of men share that concern.
There are also the
typical stereotypes that have proven to be true. Men usually shop with a
specific purchase in mind. However, women will spend more time looking around
and pondering purchase decisions. Also, more men are at a loss when it comes to
holiday shopping, with 17% feeling frustrated as compared to 8% of women, and
confused about gift giving, 8% compared to 3%. A larger number of men are also
likely to leave all of the holiday shopping to their spouse as compared to
women.
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