• by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, November 13, 2013

Consumers will spend 11% more during the Thanksgiving weekend in 2013, compared with $582 million in the prior year, according to IgnitionOne research. The company pulled together data from its clients to determine that 19% of consumers will make purchases using their tablet and 18% via smartphone, compared with 15% and 14%, respectively, in 2012.

Some 63% of consumers will likely use a showrooming technique this holiday season, up from 56% last year. Some 30% of shoppers will avoid crowds and do the majority of their shopping online, up from 25% in 2012, according to IgnitionOne.

Referring to 2012 numbers, about 247 million consumers visited stores and shopped online, up from 226 million in 2011, and 212 million in 2010, according to IgnitionOne, citing National Retail Federation (NFR) stats.

The NRF this year expects sales in November and December to rise 3.9% to $602.1 billion, compared with 3.5% in 2012. Shop.org forecasts online sales to grow between 13% and 15% during the holiday season to reach as much as $82 billion.

Search agencies also expect a major jump in 2013 holiday sales online compared with 2012, but the holiday season shopping days are shorter this year, so I expect a bit of a shakeup. Especially with the first night of Hanukkah falling on the day prior to Thanksgiving, those celebrating the holiday might purchase their gifts in advance, while others could wait until Thanksgiving Day or after to get started.

A few stats to ponder as search marketers continue to support campaigns and optimization strategies:  Mobile commerce sales rose 16% in 2012, compared with the prior year, on Black Friday; consumers spent 17% more, compared with the prior year, on Cyber Monday.

In 2012, 18% of shoppers checked out deals on their mobile devices and made purchases by phone or tablet, up from 12% and 7%, respectively, in 2011.