More shoppers are using social media, survey says

Globe Staff

Consumers are seeking out retailers on Facebook and Twitter in growing numbers, according to a new survey from Compete, a Boston company that helps corporate customers gain insights about their rivals' online marketing strategies.

Compete began issuing quarterly reports on Internet shopping behavior in the third quarter of last year, and its second-quarter 2010 report, just released now, was compiled from a survey of 3,119 online purchasers between May and July, the company said.

Of those surveyed, 31 percent report checking out Facebook fan pages or Twitter feeds of retailers, up from 17 percent in the third-quarter 2009 survey, Compete said.

Of those surveyed during the second quarter, 83 percent said they shop online at least once a week. According to many economists, the economic recovery is sputtering because many consumers continue to hold on tightly to their wallets. Online shopping continues to increase, though, said Compete retail associate Debra Arbesman. That's because Web tools abound that can help consumers do comparison shopping, find bargains, and track their spending habits, she said.

In any event, the survey's findings suggest that over the next six months, the most shopped products online will be entertainment products such as movies, music, video games, e-media, and books. Next on the list is apparel, Compete said.