Amazon Introduces “Get it by Tomorrow” Filter for Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Shoppers
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Amazon is stepping up its game to capture the spending of last-minute shoppers. The retail giant has added a new “Get it by Tomorrow” filter to its Valentine’s Day Shop, offering a convenient option for customers who are rushing to make their purchases. With Americans projected to spend a record-breaking $14.2 billion this Valentine’s Day, retailers are anticipating a surge in spending and are adjusting their strategies to cater to digital customers.
Surge in Digital Adoption Expected for Valentine’s Day Shopping
According to data from the National Retail Federation, digital adoption for Valentine’s Day shopping is on the rise. Last year, 35% of shoppers turned to digital channels, and this year that number is expected to increase to 40%. This shift towards online shopping is driven by consumers’ improving economic outlook, with 58% expecting their savings to increase and 38% expecting their wages to rise at least on par with inflation.
Major Retailers Adapt Strategies to Capture Digital Opportunity
In an effort to capitalize on the digital opportunity, major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Target are tailoring their offerings for last-minute shoppers. Costco has launched a digital Valentine’s gift guide, while Walmart is promoting its selection of last-minute gifts. Target, on the other hand, is advertising its holiday-specific assortment for same-day pickup. These retailers recognize the importance of catering to the needs of digital customers and are making adjustments to meet evolving consumer demands.
Last-Minute Gifting: A Significant Occasion for eCommerce Marketplaces
Late shoppers are a significant segment that eCommerce marketplaces are vying to capture. During the December holidays, Uber introduced a courier pickup feature for gifting, and many merchants offered giftable subscriptions to address the challenge of shipping items on time. Consumers are increasingly turning to digital channels for their holiday shopping, as evidenced by the surge in online purchases during Black Friday. Retailers are realizing the potential of last-minute shoppers and are innovating to streamline the shopping experience.
Consumers Prioritize Gift-Giving, Even During Tight Budgets
Despite budget constraints, consumers prioritize spending on gifts during the holiday season. A recent PYMNTS Intelligence report revealed that 94% of holiday shoppers took action to ensure they didn’t have to cut back on gifts. This highlights the importance of retailers providing a seamless and intuitive shopping experience for customers. By adapting to the digital landscape and simplifying the gifting process, merchants can meet consumers’ evolving demands and drive sales during busy holiday periods.
Subscribe to the daily Retail Newsletter for all PYMNTS retail coverage.
Analyst comment
Positive news. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Amazon and other major retailers are adapting their strategies to cater to digital customers. With a surge in digital adoption expected for Valentine’s Day shopping, retailers are capitalizing on the opportunity by offering convenient options like “Get it by Tomorrow” filters and same-day pickup. This shift towards online shopping is driven by consumers’ improving economic outlook and retailers recognizing the potential of last-minute shoppers. Overall, the market is expected to see increased sales and a boost in revenue during the holiday period.