CONSUMERS SHOP ON THE INTERNET BUT MANY TAKE THE INFORMATION INTO BRICK AND MORTER LOCATIONS

According to a consumer survey, 58% of adults plan to conduct research online during this year's holiday season and 43% plan to make both online and offline purchases based on that research.

Men are more likely to research online before buying a product: 33% of those surveyed do research online always or most of the time, as opposed to 22% percent of the women.

Ninety percent of consumers who research purchases "always" or "sometimes" end up buying the exact brand they researched.

Seventy seven percent who search online make a purchase in brick-and-mortar stores. Once at the store, 52% are likely to purchase the item they researched, while another 18% are likely to purchase the item and additional items.

Performics, the performance-based marketing division of DoubleClick, issued a list of 10 basic strategies geared toward maximizing holiday online revenue - so we thought you might want to check them out:

1. Centralize and prominently feature free shipping offers - shoppers flock to these
2. Create a sense of urgency - remind shoppers about the number of days until Christmas
3. Create a suggestions page - provide gift recommendations segmented by price and recipient
4. Inspire impulse holiday purchasing by showcase top sellers, editor's favorites, etc.
5. Make finding merchandise offers simple - visibility leads to conversion
6. Aggressively promote sale offers.
7. Remember last minute shoppers - highlight gift certificates during final shopping days
8. Ensure timely delivery - note stock status/shipping availability.
9. Support the brand - provide shoppers with comprehensive contact information, including FAQ locations and store-based information
10. Think long term - collect email opt-ins for future alerts, newsletters, etc.