Retail in Asia

In Markets

HK shoppers most bullish on Christmas gift spending across Asia-Pacific

Hong Kongers will be the region’s most optimistic shoppers this Christmas, with 92 percent of respondents in a recent survey almost unanimously saying they are ready to spend the same or more on gifts compared to last year, highest among the 12 markets surveyed and higher than the Asia-Pacific average of 84 percent.

The Holiday Shopping Survey conducted by Groupon also revealed that nearly six out of 10 respondents intend to purchase gifts via a mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet.

Fifty-seven percent of the respondents plan to purchase Christmas gifts on a mobile device while 75 percent intend to do it using a computer. In contrast, in-store purchases will account for less than half (48 percent) of all holiday shopping spend

Results of the survey also showed that Hong Kong shoppers are planning to spend on average HKD2,403 (USD310) on their Christmas gifts. However, almost half (44 percent) are worried people won’t like the gifts they buy.

Danny Yeung, CEO of Groupon Hong Kong, said the survey show that Hong Kong people will be on the hunt for a wide range of holiday gifts, with personal electronics, quirky gifts and clothes and shoes topping their shopping list. Mobile apps will also be a very popular way to buy presents and deals.

The top 10 most popular holiday shopping categories (products and vouchers) for Hong Kong people this year are: personal electronics (42 percent), quirky items (41 percent), clothes and shoes (39 percent), beauty products (38 percent), toys (35 percent), store vouchers (34 percent), restaurants (31 percent), entertainment (24 percent), jewelry (23 percent), and holidays (20 percent).