Let the 2011 Holiday Shopping Season Begin

Overall, consumers plan to spend an average of $515 this year on holiday gifts and decorations. Electronics, apparel and games are the product categories where the most money will be spent. Online retailers should prepare for an uptick in shoppers this year. Consumers reported that they plan to spend 41 percent of their holiday budget this year online, up from 33 percent last year. With most major retailers now offering free shipping options, e-commerce will continue to be a key point of sales during the holidays.