As the holiday shopping season heats up, consumer spending habits are being reshaped by global economic challenges and sustainable shopping options. These shifts are driving retailers to reinvent their traditional holiday strategies to meet customers‘ evolving preferences for gifts and décor.

In October 2024, Blue Yonder asked more than 4,000 consumers across the U.S., UK, France and Germany to share their perspectives on traditional holiday purchases like gifts and décor. The findings below explore how consumer spending habits and behaviors are shifting under the pressure of inflation across different regions and generations.

Shoppers prepare to spend big this holiday season, with Gen Z leading the charge

While inflation is still a significant concern for most consumers, it likely is influencing spending habits as 44% of overall respondents plan to spend slightly or significantly more this holiday season compared to 2023. Leading this trend is Gen Z, with 62% planning to spend more, followed by 57% of Millennials, 35% of Gen X, and 26% of Baby Boomers. 

When broken out by country, respondents from Germany are most likely (49%) to spend slightly or significantly more, followed by France (44%), the U.S. (43%) and the UK (41%).

Consumers prefer e-commerce platforms and superstores this holiday season

Across generations and regions, a significant number of consumers are not only assessing their holiday shopping budgets, but also their preferred shopping locations.

The popularity of online shopping — driven by fast shipping, online-only items and convenience — will see 60% of overall respondents choose e-commerce platforms for holiday gift shopping this year. Millennials (64%) are the most likely to shop on e-commerce sites this holiday season, followed by Baby Boomers (62%), Gen X (60%) and Gen Z (51%).

Superstores are a close second for shopping options, with 56% of overall respondents planning to take advantage of the one-stop-shop experience to purchase everything from toys to groceries. The option is most popular within the U.S., with 75% of American consumers planning to visit a superstore during their holiday shopping. These retailers also remain a popular option for European respondents, including 59% of the UK, 56% of France and 36% of Germany.

Other popular shopping options for overall respondents include department stores and brand retailers (38%) and discount stores (34%).

Shipping costs remain the top concern for consumers

As consumers fill their online shopping carts, type in their recipients’ mailing addresses and check them twice, they’ll be keeping a close eye on the shipping price and timeline. Nearly half (48%) of overall respondents cited paying for shipping as their top holiday shopping concern, and 42% are worried about uncertain delivery times and shipping delays.

But consumers are also worried about being able to purchase gifts in the first place. Nearly half of respondents in all regions cited limited product availability (43%) and crowded stores (42%) among their holiday shopping concerns.

A significant portion of overall respondents (41%) are also concerned about missing sales and paying full price for their items. Gen Z is the most (44%) concerned with missing sales and paying full price for items, closely followed by Millennials (43%), Gen X (39%) and Baby Boomers (37%). This sentiment isn’t unique to one region — 44% of U.S., 43% of German and 38% of UK and French consumers all share this concern.

Consumers prioritize sustainable options for holiday décor

Product quality and overall sustainability are key focuses for consumers, with almost half (48%) of all respondents planning to shop sustainably by purchasing holiday décor that can be reused for several years. French and German consumers are the most likely (95% and 94%, respectively) to prioritize sustainability when buying holiday décor, compared to U.S. (86%) and UK (86%) consumers.

Many Gen Z (41%) and Millennial (36%) consumers will limit their use of decorations that consume more energy or produce waste in an effort to promote a more sustainable lifestyle as compared to Gen X (29%) and Baby Boomers (25%).

What does this mean for the 2024 holiday shopping season?

With many of the busiest shopping days upon us, consumers and retailers alike are adapting to global challenges and trends. To meet consumer expectations, both online and in-store, retailers should look to adapt their strategies, including incorporating the latest technology to provide a seamless shopping experience – removing some of the stressors of the holiday season for their customers.

Be sure to check out our infographic!