For Clues on What to Buy Family and Friends, Online Shoppers Turn to Facebook and Other Social Networking Sites

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Say goodbye to wish lists and subtle hints. When it comes to choosing gifts for family and friends, more than one quarter (27%) of those who both research products online and plan to purchase holiday gifts online this year are looking for clues on Facebook and other social networking sites. In fact, social media is emerging as a strong influence in shaping shoppers’ behavior for the upcoming holiday season, according to a new joint survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation and Yesmail, members of the infoGROUP family of companies (NASDAQ: IUSA).

“Social media has become a critical part of many retailers’ holiday strategy,” said John Harrison, Senior Vice President of Product Strategy and Client Services, Yesmail. “With nearly half of consumers (45%) indicating that they plan to use social networks to make buying decisions or look for deals or free shipping, retailers are opening up these new channels to meet their demands.”

Eighty-seven percent of those who both look for and plan to buy items online will also use the Internet to research items, compare prices, search for discounts, coupons and free shipping offers. These savvy shoppers will be turning to retailers’ websites (84%), online reviews (70%), search engines (84%) and social networks (45%). Seventeen percent say they are looking to social networks for exclusive deals and 22% are looking for free shipping offers.

“We’re working closely with our clients to augment their e-mail marketing programs with social sites, branded microsites and widgets, and define the ability to gauge customer response and measure sales in real time. We expect these strategies to remain fluid well past the holiday season and into next year, as retailers test and adapt their campaigns to drive solid, measurable results,” said Harrison.

The survey also revealed that:

• Three-quarters of respondents are planning to buy the same amount or less than last year, with just 11% planning to buy more.
• Nearly three-quarters (72%) said they would find it appealing if part of their purchase contributed in some way to a non-profit or charitable organization.
• Books (64%) and apparel/accessories (58%) topped the list of product categories to purchase from online.

The study surveyed 1,000 respondents. Interviewing was conducted by phone October 1–4, 2009.

About Opinion Research Corporation

Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) is a leading global market research firm with offices across the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific region. ORC offers the unique ability to integrate primary and secondary research, competitive intelligence and expert insight to address the business challenges of its clients worldwide. The company has been a partner of CNN on the CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll since 2006. To learn more about ORC, visit www.opinionresearch.com.

About Yesmail

Yesmail is a recognized industry-leading provider of online emarketing solutions. Built on a solid core of innovative technology, Yesmail offers a complete portfolio of e-mail marketing solutions and services for businesses of all sizes including, Yesmail Enterprise, Yesmail Express, Yesmail Direct and Yesmail Media Services. Yesmail exceeds the expectations of Fortune 500, mid-size companies and small businesses worldwide powering their strategies with highly trained account teams and best practices consulting. Clients specializing in consumer products, retail, publishing, travel and finance are well served globally with award-winning solutions localized in single-byte and double-byte languages. Yesmail was founded in 1997 and is a subsidiary of infoGROUP. Yesmail corporate headquarters are located in Portland, Oregon, USA and has offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Omaha, Toronto, London and Singapore. For more information, visit www.yesmail.com or call 1.877.Yesmail.

About infoGROUP

infoGROUP (NASDAQ: IUSA) is the leading provider of data and interactive resources that enables targeted sales, effective marketing and insightful research solutions. Our information powers innovative tools and insight for businesses to efficiently reach current and future customers through multiple channels, including the world’s most dominant and powerful Internet search engines and GPS navigation systems. infoGROUP headquarters are located at 5711 S. 86th Circle, Omaha, NE 68127. For more information, call (402) 593-4500 or visit www.infogroup.com.

Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, recent changes in senior management, the successful integration of recent and future acquisitions, fluctuations in operating results, failure to successfully carry out our Internet strategy or to grow our Internet revenue, effects of leverage, changes in technology and increased competition. More information about potential factors that could affect the company's business and financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CJP Communications
Caroline Harris, 212-279-3115 ext. 222
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ORC USA
Carolyn Werbler, 609-452-5258
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infoGROUP
Kelly Loontjer, 402-596-7574
Director of External Communications
E-mail: kelly.loontjer@infogroup.com