Blog | Intouch Insight

Alternative Sub Vendors and Holiday Purchasing Trends

Written by Jon Laurie-Beaumont | October 18, 2023

With the first day of fall behind us, sweaters are coming out of closets and the smell of pumpkin spice is filling the air. So grab your favorite warm beverage and catch up on some of the latest bite-size data from Intouch Insight’s consumer Flash Points.

  1. Why do consumers turn to non-sub shops for their sandwiches?
  2. How are consumers' holiday shopping trends looking for 2023?

Why do consumers turn to non-sub shops for their sandwiches?

Submarine sandwiches are so popular that it’s easy to lose count of how many chains specialize in the Italian-American delicacy. But plenty of consumers are turning to alternative vendors to satisfy their sub-cravings.

  • Over half of consumers, 62%, reported having purchased a sub from somewhere other than a sub-shop chain.
  • The most popular alternative vendor is grocery stores, 82%, followed by convenience stores, 42%, and quick-serve restaurants that don't specialize in subs, 25%.
  • The leading reasons consumers purchase subs from these alternative vendors is the location is more convenient, 53%, and they were purchasing another non-sub item, 46%.
  • The top 3 factors influencing where consumers purchase subs are quality of ingredients, 75%, previous positive experiences with the brand, 74%, and price, 73%.

How are consumers' holiday shopping trends looking for 2023?

As pumpkins are being carved in preparation for Halloween, jingle bells are jingling in the distance. So we wanted to see how consumers' shopping plans have shifted since 2022.

  • For the 2nd year in a row gift cards topped the list of most typically purchased gifts at 70% with their rival, clothing and accessories, falling by 2% to 68%.
  • Restaurants and coffee shop gift cards not only remained the most purchased gift card but rose 3% to 78%.
  • Gift cards to retail stores dropped slightly, but big box retailers remained in 2nd at 66% and online-only retailers like Amazon and Wayfair at 58%.
  • The majority of consumers still purchase gifts in-store, 81%, while the number who reported purchasing them online dropped 1% from last year to 70%.
  • However, 75% still conduct online research before shopping in-store.
  • The top two factors influencing where consumers purchase gifts online are free delivery, 83%, and sales on items, 78%.
  • The top two factors influencing where consumers purchase gifts in-store are pricing, 80%, and sales on items, 78%.

What’s your burning questions?

We want to help you make informed business decisions. Each of our Flash Points typically collect between 1500-3000 responses in a 24-48 hour period — free of charge!

If you have a burning question, submit your question and the results will be emailed to you the results once the data has been collected. Submit your question here or email letschat@intouchinsight.com.