How to Use Technology to Maximize Bargain Hunting

Just days away from Thanksgiving, it seems like the spirit of holiday shopping has been forced upon consumers even earlier this year. Sure, you could go to the mall and shop amidst a slew of other people while trying to block out annoying versions of holiday songs. Or you could stay at home and shop online. Both can be cost efficient, but one may seem less like a chore.

A recent report by comScore reveals that spending on retail e-commerce in October 2008 was up 1 percent over October 2007-last month showing a six-month run of decreasing growth rates.

Yet, although more consumers might be spending more money online, it doesn't mean that they're spending more money overall. According to the Neilsen Holiday Expectation Survey of 21,000 households, more than one-third of respondents plan to cut their holiday spending this year.
Though most major retailers wait until the beginning of November to put up any holiday decorations, some made sure they got the word out on their merchandise even earlier this year. Some holiday advertisements, like one for the annual "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" ran as early as September. And of course, retailers have been making sure sales are abundant both off and online.

And while consumers can plow through the shelves and racks of items at their nearest stores looking for bargains, being a mall rat is out. Online shopping is in. And don't forget Cyber Monday, a single day when shopping websites offer tremendous sales to draw in customers.
The National Retail Federation predicts a 2.2 percent increase for stores in November and December, but Forrester Research says online retail sales will grow around 12 percent.

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