Surveys

Gen Z May Be Most Generous Gift Givers This Holiday Season, Says Shopify

SurveysOct 17, 2023

Gen Z May Be Most Generous Gift Givers This Holiday Season, Says Shopify

The seasonal survey asked consumers how, when, and where they’ll shop for holiday gifts.

Wrapped holiday gift boxes
Conducted in September, the first Shopify-Gallup Holiday Shopping Pulse survey of the season asked 1,761 consumers about their shopping plans for the upcoming holidays.
New York—Ahead of the holidays, e-commerce company Shopify asked consumers about their seasonal spending plans.

The Shopify-Gallup Holiday Shopping Pulse is a series of surveys conducted among U.S. consumers to gauge how they’re feeling about the upcoming season.

For the first survey in September, Shopify asked consumers how, when, and where they’ll be shopping for gifts.

From plans to “shop small” to the top gifts, here’s what the 1,761 respondents said.

Despite the tough economic climate, most shoppers won’t cut back on their spending.

Consumers are battling rising interest rates and prices, but it hasn’t put a damper on the holiday spirit.

Nearly three in four (74 percent) said they plan to spend the same or more on holiday gifts this year compared with last year.

Gen Z is ready to spend, especially on social media.

The adult Gen Zers, ages 18 to 29, will be the “most resilient” spenders this year, said Shopify.

Thirty-seven percent of the generation plan to spend more than last year, which is nearly double the average across all age groups.

This age group also was the most likely to shop for holiday gifts on social media platforms.

Nearly half (48 percent) plan to buy at least some gifts through social media compared with one-third of all shoppers.

Get those holiday deals started early.

Gen Z shoppers also will be the most likely to respond to holiday deals, said Shopify.

Nearly half (48 percent) said they would “probably” or “definitely” start shopping earlier if retailers held holiday deals and promotions.

“That’s a wake-up call for retailers to make better use of earlier deals specifically to cater to this group,” said Shopify.

Though other age groups do respond to earlier promotions, the average across all age groups was lower at 28 percent.

As for when holiday shopping will start, 41 percent of respondents plan to start shopping this month or earlier, followed by 39 percent in November, and 20 percent in December.

 Related stories will be right here … 

“Shopping small” is still in fashion, as is shopping online.

Nearly one in four shoppers (23 percent) ranked shopping with small and local businesses as the No.1 reason they would choose one retailer over another.

Shopify recommended retailers take advantage of this preference by creating promotions for Small Business Saturday, which falls on Nov. 25 this year.

Though brick-and-mortar stores will see their share of holiday shoppers, the “lion’s share” of holiday shopping is expected to be done online, according to the survey.

Nearly everyone surveyed (93 percent) said they plan to buy “some” gifts online, while about half (47 percent) will buy “all” or “most” of their gifts online.

People are in the holiday spirit.

Shopify also uses its data to track monthly retail trends. In September, as shoppers shifted from summer to fall, it highlighted a few trending items.

“Fall and winter holiday items were top sellers as people got ready to celebrate,” said Shopify.

In time for Halloween, costume sales were up 262 percent month-over-month, with mask sales up 60 percent.

Shoppers also were interested in holiday decorations, up 76 percent from August. Sales of holiday stockings (up 98 percent) and wreaths (up 101 percent) also were on the rise.

For those doing early holiday shopping, tech and toys were at the top of the list. 

Sales of play vehicles (toy trucks, toy cars, etc.) were up 178 percent month-over-month, while phone and tablet accessories, like tripods, also were trending, with sales up 225 percent.

The Latest

Swarovski lab-grown diamond Galaxy earrings
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

Branko Gems
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in Montana

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

Til Death Ring by Marrow Fine
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ Ring

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Korman Fine Jewelry Austin store
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

Weekly QuizMar 21, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
JCK Rocks 2025
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason Derulo

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

Conversations with Chris Ploof YouTube Video Series
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

ja-btyb-topimage.png
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamond store in India
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond Sector

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Lab-grown diamond engagement ring
MajorsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining Sales

The moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.

Zoë Kravitz in Rush Hour Collection
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office Wear

The “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.

Gallet Flying Officer watch
WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800s

Breitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.

Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMar 19, 2025
10-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Expected to Sell for $20M

Dubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.

American Gem Society Jewelry Evaluation Advisor logo
MajorsMar 19, 2025
AGS Adds New Program, Relaunches CSA

The American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.

Beck pieces created for residency at Trove
CollectionsMar 18, 2025
Beck Debuts New Collection as Trove’s Latest Designer-in-Residence

Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMar 18, 2025
Peter Smith: The Importance of Culture in Hiring

Smith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.

Finks Jewelers Emmy award
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2025
Fink’s Jewelers Is Now a Regional Emmy Winner

The company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.

Citizen premiere
WatchesMar 18, 2025
Citizen Announces New Modern Luxury Watch Category

The “Series8” and “Attesa” collections will be grouped under Citizen Premier.

Borsheims Assistant IT Manager David Fager
MajorsMar 18, 2025
Borsheims Names New Assistant IT Manager

David Fager, a former systems engineer at the retailer, was promoted to the role.

The 2025 Gem Awards
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the Industry

From retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.

Eleanor H. Yeh GIA jewelry design
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
GIA Names Winner of Emerging Jewelry Design Talent Award

Eleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

 Joseph Cavalcante Tous managing director
MajorsMar 17, 2025
Tous Names U.S. Managing Director, VP

Joseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.

Continental Buying Group logo
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
CBG Expands Las Vegas Show to 3 Days

The trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.

Stafford’s Diamonds closing ad
IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 Years

The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.

Alan Zimmer
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter Award

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac Pendant
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac Pendant

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

Tanishq Atlanta store
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy