Research from OgilvyAction has found that Brits are getting more organised for Christmas this year by using social media to plan their Christmas shopping and that Cyber Monday will not have the same impact as usual as a result.
According to this research today’s Cyber Monday rush is set to be less prevalent as many shoppers have tracked their friends and family’s Christmas wish lists through social media and followed through by immediately buying that gift online.
OgilvyAction found that some 43 per cent of Brits will respond to what Christmas gifts their loved ones have asked for on Facebook and Twitter, meaning the last minute rush to buy presents is less likely to happen this year.
Almost one quarter of Brits have used social media to tell friends and family what they want for Christmas through social networks and hashtags such as #whatiwantforchristmas and #dearsanta. The top requested gift this year is an Apple iPhone, followed by an Apple iPad in second place. Other popular requests include Ugg boots, Tiffany jewellery, Beats by Dr Dre headphones, and Michael Kors watches and handbags.
Social media has also influenced how Brits are shopping this festive season. With the majority of people using a mobile device to access Facebook or Twitter, this year an average of £123.83 per person will be spent through either a smartphone or tablet. Men, however, are believed to beat the national average by spending £137.62 through a mobile device.
OgilvyAction MD, Richard Woodward, commented: “Social media has taken the stress out of Christmas shopping by giving Brits more visibility over what their friends and family want for Christmas, enabling them to buy gifts over a more extended period of time rather than having a last minute purchase panic on what used to be Cyber Monday.”