As the US prepared to celebrate its 388th Thanksgiving, shoppers were sticking to traditional fare at the grocery store, even as they tapped shopping lists onto mobile device keypads, planned menus online and shared recipes over social networks, according to MyWebGrocer.
Not surprisingly, the usual suspects took center stage on the Thanksgiving dinner table. Turkey topped the list of most sought-after grocery items in November, beating out the typical monthly leader, milk, by 74%. Searches for turkey increased 569% compared with October, MyWebGrocer said.
Stuffing, that starchy staple so integral to any well-rounded Turkey-Day menu, also saw a huge boost in popularity this month, rising 942%, as did yams, which rose 502%.
“The way people are shopping this Thanksgiving differs from years past. They’re making lists on their iPhones, shopping online circulars, and printing out coupons from home more than ever,” said Rebecca Roose, MyWebGrocer’s social media manager. “But when it comes to the menu, they are sticking with tradition. It’s an interesting convergence of old and new.
“Convenience is key for shoppers in the Digital Age, but don’t mess with the menu,” Roose cautioned.? “You can plan your Thanksgiving feast online, but be sure you have pumpkin pie on the list!”
Basics Important this Year
This “back to basics” sentiment appeared to be widespread in the US this year, especially in light of the recession. A recent survey by Experian found that even though many Americans are not traveling far for Thanksgiving because of tight budgets, 31% say the observance of the holiday is even more significant than ever.
More than nine in 10 (91%) of Americans say that spending time with loved ones is most important to them when celebrating Thanksgiving, Experian said.
When asked which of the traditional Thanksgiving foods are most important to them in their Thanksgiving meal, 87% say turkey, 67% say stuffing, 67% say pie, 58% say mashed potatoes, and 55% say cranberry sauce.
