Consumers Value Quality Gifts over the Sweetest Deal this Valentine's Day, PriceGrabber® Survey Finds

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading online shopping site and ecommerce platform, PriceGrabber®, just released results of its 2014 Valentine's Day Shopping Survey, revealing that while most people are on the lookout for a great deal, finding a bargain isn't necessarily the most important factor for shoppers when choosing the perfect gift for their loved ones. Conducted from Jan. 15 to Jan. 27, 2014, the survey includes responses from 3,644 U.S. online shopping consumers.

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Shoppers were asked to select all the ways they plan to purchase their Valentine's Day gifts this year, whether in stores, and/or online. Sixty-nine percent said they will shop in brick-and-mortar stores; 46 percent will shop online via their laptop or desktop computer; another 10 percent will shop online from their tablet and 9 percent from their mobile phone. When consumers were asked why they plan to buy their gifts in brick-and-mortar stores, 53 percent said because they like to see the product in person before they make a purchase, only 4 percent said they believe they can find better deals in stores. When consumers who answered that they will shop for Valentine's Day online were asked why, 59 percent chose convenience over the 36 percent who cited deals.  

"On PriceGrabber, we find that numerous factors are included in the purchasing decision.  Consumers don't always buy based on the lowest price. Brand loyalty and product features matter, as do merchant ratings and ease of purchase," said Sharon Banfield, director of public relations at PriceGrabber.  "It is important for retailers to keep in mind that evolving technologies and shifting consumer shopping behaviors, which include pre-purchase online research through multiple devices, continue to play a dynamic and ongoing consideration in today's retail environment."

Valentine's Day: Love me or love me not?
Consumers have developed strong opinions about Valentine's Day – either they love it or hate it. The survey found that 65 percent of consumers plan to celebrate the holiday, and when asked why, 91 percent of respondents said they enjoy the Holiday, while 9 percent indicated they feel obligated to participate in celebrations. Of the 35 percent who won't celebrate, 42 percent said it's because they don't like the expectations of the holiday; 31 percent said they would celebrate but they don't have a significant other; and 27 percent indicated monetary reasons limit them from taking part in Valentine's Day festivities.

Greeting cards, a night out, and flowers remain top gifts
When consumers were asked to select all of the things they plan to spend money on during their Valentine's Day celebration, greeting cards and an evening out ranked most popular at 55 and 53 percent, respectively. This was followed by 33 percent who plan to buy flowers, 27 percent who cited candy, and 20 percent who will buy Valentine's Day themed gifts such as stuffed animals or a heart-shaped present. Sixteen percent plan to purchase jewelry; 13 percent will buy clothing; 8 percent will go on a romantic vacation; and 7 percent plan to give their loved ones electronics.

For smart shopping anytime, anywhere, visit PriceGrabber.com online or from your mobile device. Shop for fashion with Snapette, the world's leading shopping destination for finding designer fashion, shoes, handbags and accessories. Download the mobile applications for smart shopping on-the-go.

For full survey results, contact [email protected].

About PriceGrabber®
PriceGrabber® is a leading distributed ecommerce platform and shopping site that connects millions of shoppers each month with thousands of merchants. We reach our consumer audience via desktop and mobile devices through a network of over 400 digital publisher partners as well as through our owned and operated web properties. Together with our distribution partners, we drive over $1 billion in annual sales for our retailer partners. PriceGrabber's unique portfolio of business units, including the world's premier location-based mobile fashion app Snapette, provides brands and retailers with unparalleled marketing and sales opportunities to millions of active, qualified and ready to buy shoppers on a monthly basis. PriceGrabber is a unit of CPL Holdings LLC and headquartered in Los Angeles, CA with operations across North America and in the United Kingdom. Visit us at http://www.pricegrabber.com.

SOURCE PriceGrabber.com