Kiwis hunt clothes, boats & trampolines for Christmas

Media Release:
9 December 2011

Kiwis hunt clothes, boats & trampolines for Christmas

Kiwis will be wearing New Zealand designer clothing, whizzing about in jet boats, and bouncing on trampolines, if Trade Me’s list of the nation’s hottest searches is anything to go by.

Trade Me spokesman Paul Ford said the online marketplace’s 2011 list of popular Christmas searches was a mix of old favourites and new blood as Kiwis got stuck into the Christmas shopping blitz.

“Things like Lego, puppies, and BBQs are traditionally popular, but this year we’ve seen cool stuff like scooters and jet boats zap into the top ten. People wrestling with what to buy their loved ones should take note that socks, handkerchiefs and soap-on-a-rope are nowhere to be seen.”

Mr Ford said Apple’s consumer electronics “dominated” once again with its iPhones, iPods and iPads in at number one. “Overall iPhones are the most searched for item and we expect they will sell strongly in the Christmas shopping period.”

Along with a penchant for technology and designer clothing, New Zealanders’ searches also indicated a fondness for fun in the sun.

“We’re getting out and about this summer – kayaks debuted on the list last year and return in 2011. This year they’re alongside jet boats, BBQs and trampolines. We’re also seeing strong activity in water-skiing & wakeboarding, and it’s good to see this attention for high adrenaline sport matched by strong interest in wetsuits and lifejackets too.”

Trade Me experiences a traditional boom in site activity in December, as Kiwis seek to avoid the mall madness and opt for the convenience and competitive pricing online. Mr Ford said this December was shaping up as a strong cyber-shopping month at Trade Me.

“In November, Trade Me delivered 1.6 billion page impressions – that’s 10% ahead of last year. We suspect the next two weekends in particular will be very busy.”

Top 10 Christmas searches on Trade Me: Past week

1. iPhones/iPods/iPads
2. Karen Walker/Trelise Cooper clothing
3. Scooters
4. Dogs/puppies
5. BBQs
6. Trampolines
7. Kayaks
8. Lego
9. Country Road
10. Jet boats

New this year: Scooters, Country Road, jet boats
Missing since last year: Outdoor furniture, tents

ENDS