Online shoppers will spend about 60% more than in-store shoppers, NPD survey finds
Online shoppers are expected to spend an average of $710 this holiday season versus $440 for those shopping in stores, about 60% more, according to The NPD Group's 2016 Holiday Purchase Intentions Survey. The survey found that 71% of consumers plan to do some of their holiday shopping online. And 14% of U.S. shoppers said they'll use their mobile phones to buy gifts, up 130% from last year. NPD also forecasts that the U.S. toy industry will grow about 6.5%, with games and puzzles, up 16%, the fastest growing category for 2016 so far. Games and puzzles include brainteasers and board games. Toy sales grew 6% between January and September. "The categories that I expect will provide the most growth in November and December will be connected toys, including drones, cars and robotics; and wheels, such as battery-operated ride-ons, scooters and hoverboards," said Juli Lennett, U.S. toys industry analyst at NPD Group.
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