Holiday Shoppers Set To Hit Stores Early, Walmart Survey Finds

Nearly half of U.S. consumers said they will be sticking to a budget this holiday season, according to a new report from Walmart’s Data Ventures first-party customer data division, with shoppers saying they will set specific dollar amounts for each person on their gift-giving list.

With 86% saying price will play a big role in their buying decisions, some of the top budget ranges include: 

• $100-$299 (14%)

• $300-$599 (31%)

• $600-$999 (22%)

• $1,000-$1,999 (19%)

With consumers focused on the dollar amount they will spend for their holiday gift-giving needs, what they will buy remains the next question. In the survey, 43% of respondents said they are on the hunt for cheaper gift options, 22% are seeking experiences over gifts and 13% are seeking out more expensive, longer-lasting gifts.

With budgets set, 57% of shoppers surveyed said they plan to start their holiday shopping as soon as possible. In the Walmart survey, 58% of early shoppers said they plan to begin gathering their gifts four weeks or more in advance of Christmas. Additionallly, 29% will shop three to four weeks in advance, 9% will shop one to two weeks in advance and only 4% will begin shopping the week prior to the holiday.