Americans Rallying to Support Small Businesses This Holiday Season

Rhea-AI Summary

A recent survey by Comcast Business reveals that 46% of American consumers are inclined to support local businesses during this holiday season, up from previous years. Key motivations include a desire to give back to communities (53%) and a focus on quality (48%) and customer service (45%). Notably, 84% of respondents are mindful of business types they patronize, with many planning to support local restaurants and groceries. Additionally, 75% prioritize retailers offering online shopping, highlighting the importance of technology in consumer decision-making.

Positive

• 46% of consumers prefer to shop at small businesses compared to previous years.
• 84% of consumers are mindful of the types of businesses they support.
• 48% of consumers prioritize quality goods from small businesses.
• 75% of consumers find online shopping important for local businesses.

Negative

• None.

American consumers are rallying to support small businesses this holiday season according the new research from Comcast Business which explores U.S. consumers’ shopping trends and behaviors amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The national survey of more than 1,000 consumers found that 46% are more likely to patronize local/small businesses this holiday season compared to previous years, driven primarily by a desire to give back to their communities (53%), while also becoming more purposeful in their shopping.

The study also revealed that 84% of Americans are mindful of the type of businesses they support, including purchasing from small and Black-owned businesses. It also found that consumers:

• Shop locally for quality goods and experiences: In addition to supporting the local community, consumers choose to shop at small businesses for the quality of goods (48%) and customer service (45%) as well as the ability to find unique/niche merchandise (44%). Conversely, when choosing to support big box retailers, they do so because of cost (65%), the convenience of buying multiple things at once (54%), and overall product selection or variety (46%).
• Plan to support their local restaurants and groceries: The top way consumers plan to support local/small businesses this holiday season is by ordering take out from local restaurants (48%), with 35% planning to tip more generously. Many consumers also intend to support businesses in their local communities by getting groceries at local markets (37%), buying gifts from online marketplaces (25%) and gift cards for local retailers (23%), and sharing their favorite businesses with family and friends (24%).
• Are more likely to shop at small businesses that offer alternative pick-up methods: When asked which technology features would make them more likely to shop at small businesses more often, 44% of consumers chose order online, pick up in store, with another 30% choosing curbside pickup. Nearly a quarter (21%) also value contactless payment methods. Furthermore, 75% of consumers agree it is important that retailers offer online shopping.

“2020 has been a trying year for small businesses – the lifeblood of our communities – and the consumers that support them. The results of this survey demonstrate that Americans appreciate the outstanding service, selection and spirit of what small businesses bring to their communities – and consumers are ready to pay it forward this holiday season,” said Eileen Diskin, Chief Marketing Officer, Comcast Business. “Comcast Business is committed to helping businesses of all sizes offer the technology-forward experiences their customers expect, enabling them to go beyond bouncing back, to bouncing forward.”

Comcast Corporation is helping small businesses hit the hardest by COVID-19 with Comcast RISE, part of a $100M Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that offers access to grants, marketing resources, and technology to help small businesses strengthen and survive. The company has also teamed up with leading brands, including American Express, Inc., Amazon Web Services, and more, to develop free webinars, resources, and tools for business navigating this new environment.

Methodology
The results presented in this release were compiled from research conducted in a survey of 1,279 American adults by YouGov Plc. on behalf of Comcast Business. The survey was conducted online on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, 2020. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults (aged 18+).

About Comcast Business
Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201216005238/en/

FAQ

What does the Comcast Business survey say about consumer behaviors in 2020?

The survey indicates 46% of consumers are more likely to support small businesses this holiday season, driven by a desire to give back to communities.

How many consumers plan to support local restaurants according to the survey?

According to the survey, 48% of consumers plan to support local restaurants by ordering takeout.

What percentage of consumers believes online shopping is important for retailers?

75% of consumers agree that it is important for retailers to offer online shopping.

What are the main reasons consumers choose small businesses over big retailers?

Consumers choose small businesses for quality of goods (48%) and customer service (45%), while big retailers are chosen mainly for cost (65%).

What initiatives is Comcast Corporation involved in to support small businesses?

Comcast Corporation is involved in the Comcast RISE initiative, which provides grants and resources to help small businesses affected by COVID-19.