According to Google, Australians are in search of catalogues and gift cards this Christmas.

A recent study by the Australian Centre for Retail Studies (ACRS) and Google found 50% of Australian consumers research their purchases online before purchasing. An increase in searches for catalogues demonstrates Australians may be using the internet for convenience, but are seeking information in a traditional format.

The most searched catalogues for 2009 are:

• Target
• Harvey Norman
• Big W
• Bunnings
• Myer
• Coles
• IKEA
• Spotlight
• Aldi

Web search interest: catalogue

Searches for gift cards have also spiked, further supporting the traditional bent. Compared year-on-year the spike is even more dramatic. Another ACRS study found 20% of consumers plan to spend most of their Christmas budget on gift cards.

Web search interest: gift cards