Kiwis still keen on in-store Christmas shopping

An online survey found although 66 per cent do regularly shop online, when it comes to Christmas shopping 70 per cent planned to purchase gifts in store this year. Photo / iStock

It seems the bricks and mortar shopping experience is still the preferred option for Kiwis looking to do their Christmas shopping.

MasterCard's annual Christmas shopping research, from an online survey of 1000 people, found although 66 per cent do regularly shop online, when it comes to Christmas shopping 70 per cent planned to purchase gifts in store this year.

Country manager Peter Chisnall said those shoppers who had not been purchasing gifts throughout the year tended to head in-store in the few days before Christmas.

"When it comes to picking up last minute gifts, checking out goods in store and the convenience of making a dash to the shop on Christmas Eve is something Kiwis value."

He said the ability to inspect goods before buying them was a key reason for those who planned to buy in store, followed by the convenience of being able to get the gift immediately.

For those who still bought online, Mr Chisnall said cheaper prices were a key driver.

13 per cent of those surveyed said they would be purchasing gifts from local online retailers, with only 6 per cent saying they would buy from international online retailers.

Reasons for going local versus international were dependent on what the purchase was.

Mr Chisnall said overall finding the best price was the most important factor for the decision to purchase gifts, followed by the quality of goods.

Top five gifts purchased in store

1. Food, wine and spirits (74 per cent)
2. Homewares (68 per cent)
3. Clothing and accessories (58 per cent)
4. Sports and outdoor equipment (47 per cent)
5. Technology and electronics (47 per cent)

Top five gifts purchased on NZ based online sites

1.Vouchers for goods and services (33 per cent)
2.Books, DVDs or CDs (22 per cent)
3.Toys and games (21 per cent)
4.Technology and electronics (15 per cent)
5.Homewares (11 per cent)

Top five gifts purchased on overseas online sites

1.Books, DVDs or CDs (21 per cent)
2.Make up and fragrances (10 per cent)
3.Clothing and accessories (9 per cent)
4.Toys and games (7 per cent)
5.Technology and electronics (6 per cent)