People in US holiday shopping to avoid supply chain grinch: Study

Others are taking an easier path, with 34 per cent of people (especially baby boomers at 58 per cent) noting they will buy more gift cards this year.

"As we see in the news, the supply chain challenges are a global reality. Regardless, consumers will still measure retailers on their ability to deliver on their wish lists this holiday season," said Mike Webster, senior vice president and general manager, Oracle Retail, in a press release.

"Accountability will be the name of the game. Retailers must have clear visibility into their inventory, a realistic timeline for the fulfillment, and a plan to communicate clearly throughout the order and delivery processes. Through transparency and execution, retailers can earn trust with their customers and build the potential for future loyalty," he added.

The survey polled 5,728 global consumers, including 512 in the United States, in September. The Untold Insights survey asked consumers about their pandemic shopping habits and plans for holiday shopping. Unwrap your complimentary copy of the report.

Gift givers are worried they will be left holding an empty box as products may not be available or will take too long to arrive. Twenty eight per cent of respondents are anxious that the products they want will be more expensive due to the scarcity, while 27 per cent are worried desired products won't be available.

Seventeen per cent are fretting that friends and family will be disappointed as they don't get the gift they want, while 16 per cent are concerned that favourite holiday treats won't be available.

Many are worried shipping times won't meet their expectations and will be late, if they arrive at all. To ease their concerns, 65 per cent of respondents say granular tracking of delivery status is very important.

Thirty six per cent of respondents say fast delivery determines whom they order from. Thirty per cent say they will be outraged if shipments are delayed. A quarter are concerned gifts won't arrive at all. Eighteen per cent are willing to pay more to ensure faster or guaranteed delivery.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)