'Tis the season to be shopping! With Black Friday fast approaching, new research from eBay Ireland reveals that the event has evolved beyond just snagging deals – it’s now the official launch of the Christmas gift hunt. A staggering 71% of Irish consumers plan to make a purchase during the annual shopping event, with 1 in 3 (33%) set to spend over €200 on Black Friday alone. Additionally, 68% of shoppers are specifically looking to kickstart their Christmas shopping, making eBay Ireland the ultimate one-stop destination for unique, budget-friendly items and gifts for 2024.
This year, the ladies are leading the charge, with 72% of women planning to shop Black Friday online compared to 65% of men. This digital dominance reflects the broader trend towards online shopping, as last year 69% of respondents bought their Black Friday bargains online versus just 52% in-store. Ulster (76%) and Dublin (72%) are predicted to be the Black Friday hotspots, with Ulster residents also most likely to splash over €200.
While snagging a bargain is always appealing, finding that perfect, unique gift is the top priority for 53% of shoppers. eBay's vast global inventory, connecting millions of buyers and sellers worldwide, makes it the best destination for discovering one-of-a-kind gems you won't find anywhere else. From the latest tech and must-have collectibles to pre-loved finds, eBay offers something for everyone on your list.
Speaking of pre-loved, sustainability is gaining traction, with 39% of shoppers open to gifting second-hand items this Christmas. And with 20% actively planning to buy more pre-loved gifts for environmental reasons, eBay's commitment to circularity – with 40% of global revenue coming from second-hand sales – aligns perfectly with this eco-conscious trend. Interestingly, men are even more likely than women (26% vs. 15%) to prioritise sustainability when choosing gifts.
Top insights into Irish gifting shopping from the research included:
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Online shopping won out over bricks and mortar purchases in 2023, with 69% of respondents purchasing from online Black Friday sales last year compared to 52% in-store.
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71% of people are planning to purchase in the Black Friday 2024 sales, with 68% citing the annual shopping moment as the best time to start Christmas shopping.
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While 1 in 3 (33%) plan to spend over €200 on Black Friday, nearly half (48%) of total respondents anticipate spending €400+ on Christmas presents this year.
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Aligning with the more conscious approach to gifting, pre-loved presents such as luxury clothing and accessories are also having a moment with 39% happy to give a second-hand gift. If giving a second-hand gift, the people of Ulster (ROI) were most likely to do so for environmental reasons (64%), while people in Connacht would do so as they are generally less expensive (54%).
Ahead of the shopping moment, top searches on eBay Ireland in the month of November to date also give some insights into the types of products that Irish shoppers might be purchasing for gifts this year including Laptops, iPhones, PlayStation 5s, Pokemon, Warhammer, Lego, Digital Cameras and Luxury Watches topping the search lists.
So, this Black Friday, join the savvy shoppers heading to eBay which offers more than just great deals, but a trusted marketplace with a Money Back Guarantee, providing peace of mind for buyers. With nearly half of shoppers planning to spend over €400 on Christmas presents, and 70% hunting for the best deals during sales, eBay Ireland is the clear winner for smart, sustainable, and successful Christmas shopping.
Explore the full range of incredible deals and top-quality gifts from an amazing array of trusted sellers by visitingwww.eBay.ie today!
*Black Friday and Christmas study for eBay Ireland, carried out online with Bounce Insights from November 12, 2024 to November 14, 2024, with 1,043 adults aged 18 to 55+, representative of the Irish population.
For interviews, more information on eBay Ireland and additional imagery, please do not hesitate to contact the eBay Ireland team at Ogilvy. jade.marron@ogilvy.com 083 8637218 / esther.ade@ogilvy.com 087 2135763