Majority of Canadians indulge in spending habits that can lead to 'holiday shopping hangovers,' according to new research
Mobilicity survey also reveals one in five Canadians are 'binge shoppers' young Canadians, women and households with children are most prone to 'holiday shopping hangover'
TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - While the holiday season is a time to be merry, it's also a time to be cautious of the 'holiday shopping hangover.' According to new research released by Mobilicity, Canada's smart mobile phone carrier, 58 per cent of Canadians say they spend more than they should during the holidays and a further 59 per cent find themselves making impulse purchases. This overindulgence may lead to feelings of guilt, remorse or the 'holiday shopping hangover'.
According to the survey, young Canadians (under 35), women and households with children are at the greatest risk of suffering from the 'holiday shopping hangover.'
Canadians can avoid the 'holiday shopping hangover' by switching to affordable, contract-free unlimited mobile service, says Mobilicity's Chief Customer Officer Anthony Booth. "It's an easy, sure-fire way to reduce your monthly spending and save money that can be put towards holiday shopping."
The survey also found that one in five Canadians identify themselves as 'binge shoppers' saying their holiday shopping is a whirlwind activity that packs a lot into a short period of time. Of these 'binge shoppers', 71 per cent say they tend to spend more than they should.
Surprisingly, the majority of Canadians are missing out on opportunities to streamline their holiday shopping: 70 per cent are not planning on using a variety of apps/features on their mobile phone to help with their holiday shopping, even amidst the growing number of apps that do everything from scanning product barcodes to locating retailers with the best prices to organizing store loyalty cards. In contrast, 46 per cent of young Canadians said they plan on using their mobile phones as their holiday shopping sidekick this season.
Angela Self, a personal finance expert and one of the five money-smart women known as the Smart Cookies, says, "We've all been guilty of spending too much or making impulsive purchases during the holidays only to regret it later, much like having one too many drinks. While most hangovers can be cured with rest and hydration, the 'holiday shopping hangover' can only be cured and even prevented through smart planning and spending."
The Mobilicity survey findings are consistent with the latest holiday shopping trends showing spending is on the rise. Last year, the Retail Council of Canada estimated holiday sales were three per cent higher than in 2010.
Reduce monthly spending over the holidays and all year round
To make unlimited wireless even more affordable, Mobilicity has brought back its popular 50%-off regular rate plan sale for the holidays. For just $22.50 a month, consumers can get unlimited data, talk and text plus North American long-distance, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, three-way calling, voicemail, global text and 30 minutes of included North American voice roaming minutes a month. Unlimited monthly talk-and-text plans start at just $12.50 during the special sale.
The company recently upgraded its network to 4G and speeds of up to 21Mbps, and offers a full lineup of popular smartphones, such as the all-new Samsung Galaxy Note II and the Sony Xperia T, also known as The Bond Phone as seen in the latest James Bond theatrical release, Skyfall, and which comes preloaded with exclusive Bond content.
Discuss/follow the holiday shopping hangover trend on Twitter using the #mobilicitycure hashtag.
About Mobilicity (DAVE Wireless)
Mobilicity, Canada's smart mobile carrier, was created to bring down the cost of wireless with unlimited talk, text and data plans, affordable North American coverage, plus popular handsets and smartphones - without locking customers into contracts or charging extra or hidden fees. Everything Mobilicity does adds up to a better wireless experience, not an expensive one. NOW THAT'S SMART.
Formerly known as Data & Audio-Visual Enterprises Wireless Inc. (DAVE Wireless), the company is led by Obelysk, a diversified Canadian holding company, and Quadrangle Capital Partners, a global investor in the telecommunications and media sectors. Mobilicity was named one of Canada's Top 25 Up and Coming Information & Communication Technology start-ups in 2010 by the Branham Group Inc. Further information about Mobilicity can be found at www.mobilicity.ca.
About the Survey
A survey of 1514 Canadians was completed online between October 15th, and October 17th, 2012 using Leger Marketing's online panel, LegerWeb. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
SOURCE: Mobilicity
For more information, images or interviews, please contact:
Sheryl Steinberg, Director, Corporate Affairs
Michelle Fabbro, Specialist, Corporate Affairs
Mobilicity
647-70-PRESS
[email protected]
Nazia Khan, Vice President
Temple Scott Associates Inc.
416.360.6183, ext. 237
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