Gadgets dominate most searched-for items in March

Apple and Samsung products were among the most searched for online items in March, according to findings from Getprice, but bicycles and leisure options were also high on the list.

The comparison shopping network’s March Online Shopping Index found Apple products reclaimed their position as the most searched for items, after slipping from first place in January and February.

In March, the top three searches on Getprice were the iPod touch, the iPad and the iPad 2, while the iPhone ranked 15^th on the list.

The Samsung brand also saw a rise in popularity with the Galaxy Ace and Galaxy Tab increasing their rankings on Getprice, appearing in the top 15 search terms.

According to David Whiteman, director of product and marketing at Getprice, it’s not surprising Apple products have returned to the top spots.

“We expected to see Apple products higher up on our list again with the release of the iPad 3,” Whiteman says.

“Looking at the results of the index, I suspect that bargain-savvy shoppers were looking to snap up discounted iPads and iPad 2s.”

“It’s interesting to see an increased interest in Samsung products. The Apple versus Samsung smartphone and tablet war is a very interesting one to watch.”

Meanwhile, Tissot watches and video game Mass Effect 3 are new additions to the top 20, while bicycles made the top 25 for the second consecutive month.

Leisure-related searches were also in style this month, with day cruises coming 13^th on the list of the most searched terms.

According to Getprice, digital cameras have remained the number one search category since July last year, followed by televisions, mobile phones, vitamins and nutrition, and laptops.

Meanwhile, a separate report from customer reviews website Word Of Mouth Online reveals the top 20 searches for business reviews, with hairdressers taking out the top spot.

This is followed by bakeries and cake shops, dentists, doctors and surgeons, childcare and preschool centres, fish and chip shops, obstetricians and gynecologists, and nail salons.

The list also includes play centres, Chinese restaurants, pizza places, cafés, mechanics and service centres, massage and remedial therapists, and beauty therapists.

The final five are Thai restaurants, dog washing and grooming, burgers and takeaway, Japanese and sushi bars, and house cleaners.

According to Fiona Adler, founder of Word Of Mouth Online, some industries appear in the list because the standards in that industry are particularly low.

“Others appear because we’re fussier about these types of services,” she says.

Adler identifies five trends from the list:

• Consumers’ quest for beauty is insatiable – hairdressers, beauty therapists and nail salons all feature high on the list.

• People take their health seriously. They want trusted professionals who have attracted strong customer reviews.

• Eating out is a serious endeavour for consumers. They don’t want to risk bad takeaway or a meal out, so they’re looking for venues that other customers love.

• Businesses related to the care and upbringing of children rank highly on consumers’ list of importance. Pets also feature in a similar way.

• The care of consumers’ vehicles and houses is also extremely important. Businesses with good reputations are raking in new customers.