Tablets make online purchases even simpler as Cyber Monday nears

Grab that iPad, pour a cup of coffee, sit down on the couch and start shopping for the holidays.

Really, it's that simple.

Just know that if you're using a tablet over a desktop or laptop computer, you're probably going to spend more this year than ever before, mostly due to that ease you're now experiencing.

The average purchase for a tablet shopper, $123, is 17 percent higher than the average desktop shopper's, $102. And, those who shop with tablets spend a whopping 153 percent more than those shopping with a smartphone, according to a report by Skava, an app and mobile website developer.

"Online retailers have recently seen a large increase in tablet traffic and they are beginning to stand up and take notice," said Arish Ali, co-founder and president of Skava Inc.

With Cyber Monday fast approaching, online retailers have their hands full with much more than data.

Online sales in 2012 are expected to grow 12 percent over last holiday season, to as much as $96 billion, according to Shop.org's 2012 online holiday sales forecast.

"Online retail has been a bright spot for years and we don't expect that trend to change anytime soon, especially with the growth in mobile," said Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation.

He noted many online retailers have recently enhanced their site experience by investing in their mobile and social platforms, which may prove fruitful.

PriceGrabber.com's holiday survey found that 36 percent of consumers plan to use their mobile device to shop on Cyber Monday, and 76 percent will shop online to avoid crowds at brick-and-mortar stores.

"The notion of Cyber Monday is going to be an interesting one this year, because there's no reason to wait until Monday. The Internet is open 24/7," said MaryAnn Bekkedahl, president and co-founder of theSwizzle.com.

Bekkedahl, an expert in online shopping and retail trends, closely monitors daily deals from more than 1,200 of the world's largest retail brands.

Bekkedahl noted that Americans are seeing Christmas messaging and discounts from retailers much earlier than in previous years.

"I think (retailers) are in tune to the fact consumers are savvy with online shopping. One of the only drawbacks to online is you have to wait to hold it in your hand," she said.

Some online retailers such as Amazon and Zappos will deliver products the next day, but many times consumers have to wait up to 10 days to receive products. But, the shopping is done, and you never had to leave that couch.

Pour yourself another cup of coffee.

"We anticipate that online and mobile shopping will continue to increase in popularity this holiday season because it allows consumers to easily compare products and read merchant reviews, as well as locate the best price on every product without having to visit each and every brick-and-mortar store," said Rojeh Avanesian, vice president of marketing and analytics of PriceGrabber.com.

Contact reporter Laura Carroll at lcarroll@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588.