TRIPinfo.com - Internet Travel Monitor Newsletter Article

Internet Travel Monitor - Marketing & Research
February 27, 2008

Shopping is the #1 Activity for Travelers

NORCROSS, GA – Shopping while traveling is a top priority for travelers. TIA reports 4 in 10 travelers say a trip is not complete without going shopping. Given the importance shopping plays in the quality of a trip and the positive economic impact on the shopping destination, noting emerging trends and shopper characteristics is a key to planning travel:

Shopping boosts inbound international travel.
The favorable exchange rate nets a shopping savings covering the cost of the shopping expedition. Using the Internet as a primary marketing tool, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), airlines, and charter-flight operators are capitalizing on the weak dollar to bring international bargain hunters to the U. S. by promoting an area as a shopping destination.
New types of shopping centers invite a visit.
Shoppers are intrigued by a new shopping experience. Lifestyle Centers and Mixed Used Center (those with a substantial retail component plus hotel, entertainment, recreation, sports stadiums and cultural venues) are relatively new types of shopping destinations. Since these types of centers are still scarce in many areas of the country, shoppers relish the opportunity for experiencing a shopping novelty. Shoppers also take their word-of-mouth report back home to friends and relatives.

Traveling Shopper Characteristics

Look for different stores than what is found at home.
Shop for items related to their destination.
Have more time to shop and are more inclined to spend money shopping.
Men keep up with women and slightly outspend women when making purchases.
Pre-trip shopping planners spend more on purchases, plan on visiting several shopping spots before leaving home, and are word-of-mouth leaders for others.

Reprinted from TRIPinfo.com's 2008 Shopping & Dining Guide.