Moms and Their Buying Habits

Are you like me, a mom? What do you spend your money on? There is no denying that the buying power of moms has made a big impact on the consumer market. If you are curious to see if we get it right, keep reading to learn something you might not have known about other moms and their buying habits.

The Moms of the Toddler Set

We all know that when we have kids, our buying habits can change. Mostly out of necessity, but as moms, we secretly love to shop for all those cute gadgets and clothing available for babies these days. According to an Online Behavior and Demographics survey by Jupiter Media Metrix, over 40 percent of moms will buy items online that are on sale. These items probably wouldn’t have been purchased in the store

When you add children to the mix, there is a whole new arena of buying to consider. Instead of buying fashionable shoes and clothing (which you can still squeeze in if you are a savvy shopper), new moms are buying breast pumps, diapers, bottles and Onesies. Fashion has come to the small and sweet-smelling and moms are all for it. The mentality is “Why shouldn’t your baby be the best dressed on the playground” in Old Navy, Gymboree and OshKosh B’Gosh?

Also, moms with babies and young children are new to the kid scene. They are apt to research products before purchasing them. Recommendations from veteran moms, like us, whether online or off, are absolutely influencing the decisions on what purchases to make and what ones to stay away from.

Moms with Older Kids

Now the buying habits get interesting. About ten years ago, the mom of a teenager required a users guide to navigate the world of emerging technology . Most didn’t know how to shop for an iPod, a PDA or an Xbox. One thing they did know is that technology equaled big dollars and they wanted those dollars well spent.

Now, today those same moms are learning the lingo. They are shopping for and becoming knowledgeable about iPods, gaming systems, netbooks and other gadgets. As moms, we have found that using technology is just as fun as purchasing it for our kids.  I can attest as I have a Nintendo DS, an iPod Classic and several other techie toys myself.

Baby Boomer Moms

For these moms, life has come full circle. They are now caring for aging parents and are empty nesters themselves. New issues take precedence in their life such as senior healthcare, coping with illness, upside-down mortgages, assisted living and managing more than one household.

These moms aren’t buying diapers or bicycles anymore. Instead, they search for specialized items to fit the needs of their parents while adjusting to life as empty nesters. Moms over 45 are buying vacation packages or time shares, downsizing their homes and shopping for items related to their hobbies.

If you, as a mom, are in any of these phases, we have tried to depict an accurate picture of you. For young moms, you now know what is ahead of you. The buying habits of moms change and grow as their responsibilities do the same.