Online shoppers tend to give gadgets for gifts

To the mall, or to the computer? If you’re among the shopping-crowd averse, you also may be buying differently from your counterparts who brave the stores.

Examining this divergence, American Express found that most Internet shoppers are married, without children at home and are more affluent than the general population, with average household income of $64,500 per year.

Online shoppers also give more electronic-oriented gadgets as gifts, according to the survey. More than half gave computers and accessories, compared with only 15 percent of traditional shoppers. Books and magazine subscriptions also are more popular, 59 percent versus 40 percent.

The data are from telephone surveys in October of 803 U.S. households.

Workplace

More businesses keep tap on holiday parties

Office holiday parties may be slightly more lavish this December as some companies see better prospects than in recent years, but that doesn’t mean the fancy libations are about to flow unchecked.

Firms are taking a more serious view of potential liability problems with intoxicated employees, according to a survey by Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.

As a result, many companies are hiring professional bartenders trained to spot problems, limiting drinks, ending alcohol consumption before parties conclude, and offering free taxi and other shuttle services. Moreover, as many companies have begun installing health wellness and substance abuse programs, offering free and unlimited drinks at a company holiday party presents a conflict.

“After taking these responsible steps toward creating drug-free workplaces, to turn around and let the alcohol flow freely — even for just one night — would be a step backward,” said John A. Challenger, the firm’s CEO.

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