Like most consumers, tech-savvy
early adopters research their purchases online. However, many of them
make their actual purchases in brick-and-mortar stores, according to
the “Technology Influencers and Consumer Electronics Retail” report
from the Consumer Electronics Association and CNET.

Technology influencers spent
about eight hours researching individual purchases, compared with 3.5
hours for the average US adult.

“CNET’s audience has often been viewed as a reflection of future
consumer technology spending and shopping habits,” said Claudia Haase,
director of user research at CNET.com, in a statement.

The company said that its audience of early tech adopters was
usually about two years ahead of the general population in shopping and
spending habits.

Technology influencers who did purchase online said that they
enjoyed being able to compare prices easily (91%), greater product
variety (86%) and lower prices (79%).

However, even those who typically bought online said that brick-and-mortar stores were best for instant gratification.

Via eMarketer