Survey Finds 72 Percent of Moms Plan on Turning to Online Sales Sites For Holiday Shopping

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to 2011 TOTSY Moms Shopping Trends Report,* 72 percent of moms plan to shop online to skip the chaos of shopping in stores this holiday season. In light of this anticipated demand, TOTSY.com, the leading private sale site exclusively dedicated to delivering deals on coveted must-haves for parents, babies and kids, is gearing up for its biggest quarter ever by offering parents a broad and exciting assortment of toys and gifts.

The 2011 TOTSY Moms Shopping Trends Report conducted earlier this year by BSM Media showed the following insights about how moms shop during the holiday season:

• Toys and games were chosen as the most frequent gifts given to children from parents and other family members and friends, with apparel and electronics following closely behind.

• Moms surveyed said they typically spend the most money on year-end holiday gifts than any other holiday, and will continue to do so this year.

• 65 percent of moms ranked the fourth quarter holiday season as being the most stressful shopping occasion.

Using this data along with over 25 years of experience in the specialty children's product industry, TOTSY's chief merchandising officer and former president of FAO Schwarz, David Niggli, is lining up the best deals for this year's holiday top sellers, including products from brands such as Zutano Baby Clothing, Trumpette Baby Gift Boutique, Melissa & Doug Toys and ALEX Toys, of which members can purchase for as much as 90 percent off suggested retail price.

While toys are once again expected to be TOTSY's bestselling category, Niggli highlights books, apparel, accessories for kids and moms, travel packages, and gifts for home as additional categories that will draw significant interest this year. "We've certainly seen growing demand for a wider range of products and it's our mission to bring our members the best products and prices possible to better their holiday shopping experience," Niggli says.

"Private sales sites such as TOTSY have become a mainstay in the way moms shop," says Guillaume Gauthereau, TOTSY co-founder and CEO. "I believe this is the case because TOTSY helps moms hone in the deals that are the most relevant and necessary to them. We know that this coming holiday season will be tough on already busy moms so we look forward to curating the best sales for them to make the most of their shopping time," he adds.

"Private sales sites are here to stay," notes Niggli, who adds, "More and more leading brands see the value in providing products through a site such as TOTSY and this has enabled us to offer the products that moms – and kids – will really want this holiday season."

* Source: BSM Media surveyed 1930 moms from February 22 - March 11, 2011, offering six survey participants a chance to win $25 and two survey participants a chance to win $50 in TOTSY credit. Two surveys were provided, the first survey including questions regarding the impact of the recovering economy, the emotions behind Mom's purchases and how shopping patterns differ by generations of moms. The second survey included questions regarding the rising trend of sales sites and how seasons and holidays play into spending.

About TOTSY

Headquartered in New York, TOTSY is a privately held company dedicated to providing its members with access to coveted and essential products and brands designed for expecting moms, parents, babies and kids at sample sale prices. Shopping events are designer-specific and held over a 72 hour period. Membership is free of charge and by invitation only. For more information, please visit http://www.totsy.com.

SOURCE TOTSY