Consumers are showing early interest in holiday shopping and purchasing this season. With 9 out of 10 consumers planning to shop this year, the majority of these consumers have already started researching their gift purchases - looking for the right gifts at the right price. In fact, according to the latest Google/OTX Consumer Pulse Check survey, 58% of holiday shoppers report that they have started their holiday shopping and researching as of the week of October 5, 2009. Compared to the last week in August, that is a lift of 32%.


Likewise, almost half of consumers have made a holiday purchase so far this year. 45% report that they have started holiday purchasing. Compared to the last week in August, that is a substantial lift of 25%.

With that, the holiday season is well under way with consumers heading to retailers earlier this year - some exciting and positive news headed into the holiday season. Be sure you are capturing this early interest through your online marketing campaigns.

Posted by Eric Lopez, the Google Retail Team