A new survey by Musgrave MarketPlace claims that more than four in five (86%) Irish SME owners will offer gifts to corporate clients this Christmas, up 11% on last year.
Almost half (42%) of SMEs favour in-store shopping for client gifts valuing the option of viewing products in-person before purchasing. While 40% choose to shop both online and in-store highlighting the importance of multiple shopping methods during the festive season.
The amount of money spent by SMEs on client gifts is also on the rise, with over one quarter (28%) spending more this Christmas than they have done in the past five years. Of those that do give corporate gifts, 89% say they do so to strengthen their client relationships.
Mixed food and wine hampers are the top corporate gift according to more than half (52%) of SME owners. Alcoholic beverages prove popular for almost a third (32%) while one in ten (9%) say a box of chocolates is the perfect festive gift for clients.
Musgrave MarketPlace Marketing Director, Michelle Fennell says, "The results of the Musgrave MarketPlace survey show that corporate gifting is on the rise which is a sign of increased confidence among SMEs in Ireland.
"With (40%) of SMEs relying on both online and in-store shopping to source their client gifts at Christmas it’s important to offer a quality shopping experience both online and in-store in order to meet customers’ preferences."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
