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Why Americans Love To Shop On Social Media

America’s shopping habits have changed over the years, and now social media is the preferred place to shop for many people. Let’s be honest shopping on social media itself is…

online shopping
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America’s shopping habits have changed over the years, and now social media is the preferred place to shop for many people. Let's be honest shopping on social media itself is usually a crime of opportunity. You're leisurely scrolling and all of a sudden an ad comes up for something you didn't know you needed and the next thing you know you're checking out!

According to Talker, you're not alone! A new survey reveals that 68% of Americans who use social media have shopped through their feeds. Based on their social media shopping habits, they have the potential to spend more than $59-billion.

The poll of 2-thousand U.S. adult shop on social media:

  • The average shopper would spend as much as $262 on a single item they find on social media.
  • The platforms they use regularly for shopping online include Facebook (85%), Instagram (49%) and TikTok (38%).
  • So why do people prefer using social media to shop? Respondents say it’s easier or more convenient (33%), they’re already on social media regularly (32%), they can see exactly how to use the products (30%), they see better deals on social media (26%) and it’s easier to search than a physical store (20%).
  • Nearly three-quarters (72%) of social media purchases are unplanned and spontaneous.
  • The most popular items people buy from platforms are clothing (52%), gifts (33%), shoes and accessories (33%), beauty products (30%) and electronics (28%).
  • Overall, 62% say they’ve been generally satisfied with their social media purchases and 68% describe their average experience as positive.
  • Almost half (47%) say they’d likely buy something seen on social media if they see others using it and 20% admit they’ve had FOMO from seeing others use advertised items.
  • Shoppers use their feeds to read product reviews (22%), research products (20%), or get inspiration for how to use products (15%).
  • Just over half (53%) would be less likely to buy a product with negative reviews.
  • While 18% of respondents say they don’t like ads on social media, 66% say the ads help them find new products and 35% like the ads because they show what’s trendy.
shop on social media

North Carolina Town Voted One Of Best Small Towns For Shopping

USA Today recently had their readers vote for their "10 best" campaign. One of those categories was "The Best Small Towns for Shopping". And one North Carolina town made the top 10 best small towns for the shopping list! I've never been to this mountain town, so a visit may be in order. Summer is the perfect time to travel and enjoy the mainly open air shopping districts on this list. I'm surprised that I have only been to one of these towns (and it's actually the farthest one away...go figure!) But I have bookmarked multiple of these that I can't wait to visit. Shopping and historic towns are some of my favorite things.

It's not too late to plan your summer getaway and each of these small towns offers a shopping lover's paradise! Especially if you are in to unique and or handmade items. Some of these are mountain towns there could be a good winter destination as well. As long as you don't mind the cold that is.  We've got multiple areas of the country covered, so whether you want to fly or drive one of these is doable!

View the full article here or keep reading for the list!

The Best Small Towns For Shopping 

According to USA Today Readers

10. Camden, Maine

Located on the mid-coast of Maine you'll find Camden. The downtown is home to many upscale shops, antique shops, and general stores for all your shopping pleasure.

9. New Hope, Pennsylvania

This scenic small town is located on the Delaware River. It's known for its history, bed & breakfasts, and of course shopping. In the downtown district, you will find a sprawling collection of boutiques, gift shops, galleries, and more!

8. Sedona, Arizona

The scenic red rocks aren't the only thing Sedona is known for. There are tons of shopping destinations no matter what you're looking for. Apparel, art, home decor, antiques, beauty, jewelry, and everything else you may want.

7. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

According to CarmelCalifornia.com: Carmel shopping is metropolitan style, though wholly unique in the setting. It is also an all-day experience, and then some. The most discriminating shopper is sure to find something of great appeal in one of the town's hidden passageways or curlicue-roofed shops. From outdoor malls to family-owned boutiques, Carmel offers a shopping environment that wants nothing but infinite time to explore.

6. Dahlonega, Georgia

The best small-town Georgia shopping is found in the northern part of the state in Dahlonega. Gift shops, wine tasting rooms, furniture, antiques, home decor, and more!

5. Highlands, North Carolina

The main street of this mountain town plays host to unique small business shopping. Browse offerings here.

4. Cape May, New Jersey

This quaint town on the Jersey Cape boasts the Washington Mall, a three-block outdoor shopping mall filled with shops, brick pathways, fountains, and benches. More shopping is also available in the Washington Commons and Carpenter Square Mall among others.

3. Montpelier, Vermont

A previous winner of this title is Montpelier. While in this pedestrian-friendly town be sure to browse the numerous independently-owned boutiques, as well as local merchants selling crafts, books, music items, gifts, clothing, decor and much much more.

2. Rhinebeck, New York

You'll find historic Rhinebeck nestled in the Hudson Valley. Shopping in the area is full of  Books, Music, Clothing, Shoes, Gifts, Stationery, Furniture, Jewelry, Home Decor, Art, Antiques, Wine & Spirits, and more!

1. Frenchtown, New Jersey

The borough of Frenchtown, NJ is located along the banks of the Hudson River. And its numerous boutiques make it the best small town for shopping in the country! Guess I'll have to check it out.

LauRen Merola Strager is a former NFL & NBA cheerleader turned radio host. LauRen is a former Miss Pennsylvania USA and is a proud wife and mother of two. She is the owner and chief editor for her fashion and lifestyle Blog “All Of The F-Words” and is a champion for the Autism community. You can read all about LauRen’s thoughts on motherhood, pageant life, and everyday life through her online content.