What's hot and what's not this holiday season?
The answer to that question may rest more on social media than traditional advertising, according to a leading economic website.
In its annual holiday sales forecast, Deloitte.com estimated a 3.6 to 4 percent increase in dollars spent during the 2016 holiday season compared to the 2015 season. In dollars, this translates to more than $1 trillion in sales.
Within that forecast, the website focused on how digital interactions could affect that growth. Deliotte believes digital interactions will influence 67 percent — or $661 billion — of retail stores this season.
But, what does that mean?
"Large e-commerce players and digital platforms such as Facebook and Pinterest are shaping what people think is a great shopping experience is — a fast, highly-curated assortment with access to visuals, information, and buying sources," said Rod Sides, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP and retail and distribution sector leader.
Social media users are likely to see a larger presence of retailers (both traditional and online) in their feeds because it a way for them to stay connected with the consumer, Sides concluded.
