See inside the December issue of Military Spouse Magazine!
It’s safe to say that the novel coronavirus off-railed or impacted every single person and their plans this year in some way. From vacations to moves, family reunions and school, no one has been immune to the repercussions of the virus. As the holidays inch closer, how will this season look?
A recent study conducted by Google found that half of U.S. shoppers say the pandemic will affect how they shop for the holidays this year.
“I plan to spend this holiday shopping season how I’ve spent the majority of this year—away from large crowds and mostly inside,” said Maxine Clegg, an Air Force spouse in Hawaii. “With kids at home, there’s just no reason to take a chance on getting sick, because of a good sale that happens once a year when it also happens online, too. I’m someone who enjoys shopping on or after Thanksgiving, but I’ll have to sit this year out and that’s OK.”
Highlights from the Google study include insight on online shopping and curbside pick-up, as well as which retailers will get their business.
- 75% of U.S. shoppers who plan to shop this season said they will shop online more for the holidays than they did in previous seasons, and a similar number said they would browse for gift ideas online and not in a store.
- 67% of shoppers said they plan to confirm online that an item is in stock before going to buy it.
- 53% of shoppers who plan to shop this season said they’ll choose to shop at stores that offer contactless shopping.
- 47% of shoppers said they’ll use options to buy online, pickup in store/curbside pickup.
- 66% of shoppers will shop more at local small businesses.
Whether you plan to break out the Santa-tizer for in-store purchasing or will be keeping the postal service in business with online orders, here’s how military spouses around the country are mapping out their holiday game plan:
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“I will for sure be utilizing store pickups or online shopping for the holidays. I am also buying all my holiday stuff way earlier this year because I anticipate a lack of goods.” – Melissa S.
“We were both very fortunate to both keep our jobs normally—well, as normal as can be—and the kids missed out on so much—boardwalk at the beach, fair season, amusement parks, etc. We feel like we want to make Christmas extra special to make up for that stuff. Not to mention, my son is nervous that Santa will get the virus, so we will be making sure he knows Santa and the elves are fine.” – Janet H.
“If my dad is visiting during that time I may choose more online shopping options if possible since he’s older and has health issues.” – Rachel W.
“My holiday shopping is going to be the same: 90% online except for a few deals I can get from the NEX.” – Julie Y.
“We’ll do a scaled down Christmas this year, because my [deployed] husband just isn’t here to help me shop, put toys together, etc. Also, due to the pandemic we likely will not be able to see my parents—so again, a much more scaled down, minimalist holiday season on the horizon. Honestly, it will be good for us, as we have gone way overboard in past years and I’m actually OK with the idea of less is more this year. Just thankful/grateful for my job, my home and my health!” – Megan A.
“I will resume holiday shopping as normal. I hate crowds anyway, so most will be done online, as in previous years.” – Michelle W.
