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Washington State University
Carson College of Business Holiday Retail Study 2018

Holiday Retail Study 2018

OBJECTIVES

As WSU’s Carson College of Business looks to strengthen their position as a thought leader within retail-industry research, this survey aims to:

  • Identify the factors that drive online and/or in-store shopping preferences
  • Assess the sentiments and behaviors around shopping on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday
  • Understand decision-making behavior while holiday shopping and explore how consumers plan to shop this holiday season, as well as how that compares to last year
  • Complement existing research done by Carson College of Business professors within the retail industry

METHODOLOGY

Consumer IconGeneral Population consumers 15+ y/o in the Pacific Northwest

Clock Icon15-minute online survey

Marker IconTotal Audience (N=999)

Washington State (N=400)
Oregon (N=400)
Idaho (N=199)

Marker IconMetro Oversample/Total Fallout (N=750/ 1107)

Seattle Metro (N=250/380)
Portland Metro (N=250/426)
Spokane/Eastern Washington (N=250/301)

Calendar IconOctober 19th – 26th 2018

Key Findings:

IN-STORE LEADS IN SPEED BUT ONLINE IS MORE CONVENIENT

43% of people state they do more online shopping, compared to last year
70% of people appreciate the ability to try on items in-stores
70% of people enjoy the ability to shop whenever they need to online

CYBER MONDAY ALLOWS CONSUMERS TO ENJOY FAMILY TIME

78% of people appreciate stores that stay closed on Thanksgiving
60% of people prefer shopping Cyber Monday
84% of people feel like Black Friday used to be an event

HOLIDAY SHOPPING WILL BE COST EFFECTIVE AND LOCAL

89% of people think there’s no need to spend a fortune for holiday gifts
66% of people will shop locally in store
73% of people will only drive up to an hour to shop this holiday season<

GEN Z MAY KEEP BLACK FRIDAY & BRICK-AND-MORTAR ALIVE

68% say in-store shopping is fun
67% plan to shop Black Friday this year