Today is the last day for most retailers/manufacturers to provide free shipping and delivery guaranteed by Christmas Eve. In fact, more than 700 retailers are participating and have coined the term “Free Shipping Day”.  There is even a consumer web site devoted entirely to this event – www.freeshipping.com. 

From the looks of my inbox (I have one email address devoted entirely to retail/manufacturers offers to stay on top of emarketing trends), retailers are pushing hard to get the message out.

Kodak:  Last Minute Shopping?  Gifts Delivered by 12/24

Express:  Winter Sale 40% Off!  + Free Shipping Today Only! + The More You Spend, The More You Save!

Ulta:  Hurry Up!  Only TWO Days Left to Ship Great HOLIDAY Gifts for FREE!

Pottery Barn:  One Day Only!  Free Shipping on all orders

It appears that retailers are on the right track.  According to a survey released yesterday by the National Retail Federation, consumers had completed only 46.7% of their holiday shopping by the middle of last week.  These numbers are slightly less than the 47.1% the National Retail Federation reported the same time last year.

Additionally, the same survey reported 35% of respondents would shop online.  This data suggests that online shopping has the potential to peak today and even exceed Cyber Monday numbers.