Shopping Online: Free shipping may be ‘in’ this year

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If hearing seven different versions of ‘Silent Night’ in six different stores is enough to drive you to drink, you’re probably among the millions of people who have ditched the mall for your mouse. Shopping online is expected to be more popular than ever this year, and with consumers minding their pennies, free shipping is expected to be a big deal this winter holiday season.

‘The economy will drive more people online to look for the best prices,’ said Kurt Peters, editor-in-chief of Internet Retailer.

Forrester research analyst Sucharita Mulpuru predicts consumers will spend $44 billion online in November and December, a 12% increase compared with the same period last year. But 45% of online consumers say they plan to buy less this holiday season. Still, 27% expect to spend more online this year than last year. The bulk of online spending by consumers comes from purchases of apparel, books, DVDs and music.

‘While consumers remain pessimistic about the health of the U.S. economy, online shopping drivers of convenience, selection, and perceived value will continue to attract buyers to the Web,’ Mulpuru wrote in a report.

This year, nearly 80% of consumers said they were more likely to shop online with a retailer that offers free shipping, compared with 60% who said that last year. Online retailers are rushing to accommodate them. Comparison shopping site PriceGrabber recently announced that it was launching a free shipping site for shoppers. On the same day, PayPal announced free shipping deals with some of its partners, and cash-back deals with retailers such as Blockbuster and eToys. EBay will also be offering free shipping on some items.

While the Friday after Thanksgiving is typically the day brick-and-mortar retailers expect crowds, online shoppers don’t really start buying until the Monday after the holiday, when they return to work. Consumers spent $730 million on that Monday last year, according to ComScore. But the second Monday in December is the really big day for online shoppers, who are hustling to buy things that will arrive in time for the holidays. On last year’s ‘Green Monday,’ as it is now called, consumers spent $880 million online.

If you’re ready to shop but not quite sure where to look, try visiting some social shopping sites such as ThisNext and Kaboodle, which are expected to be popular this year. On the sites, people recommend gifts for categories such as Music Lover, Hostess, and Person Who Has Everything, which should help you brainstorm some good gifts and find out where to buy them online, leaving you more time to enjoy ‘Silent Night,’ whichever version you prefer, in the comfort of your home.

-- Alana Semuels