Moms Say Recession Changed Their Shopping Habits

The recession has permanently altered the shopping methods of many moms, according to a survey conducted by the online shopping site Totsy. Almost 80 percent of respondents say they’ve changed the way they shop, including cutting overall spending and purchasing items on sale and using coupons.

The survey, “Mom Shopping Trends Report,” revealed that price, quality and value are the most significant factors in determining purchasing decisions. The survey also found differences in shopping patterns according to age: Boomers’ purchases tend to be driven by the overall value of a product while younger moms focus on low pricepoints. All in all, moms are more likely to cut back on travel, beauty products and entertainment, but they continue to splurge on special occasions, like birthdays and winter holidays.

The survey also confirmed a rise in online shopping, with 86 percent of respondents reporting that they have purchased items from online sale sites, and 32 percent ranking online shopping as one their top three cost savings strategies. Moms from Generation X and Y are most likely to refer friends or families to their favorite online private sale sites, while one in two moms even shop online with their children, letting them choose the items they want.