KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopping (29%) is the third best way to get over a break-up, according to a new survey, with talking to close friends (54%) coming in first, followed by eating comfort foods (33%).
The findings are part of the Rakuten Shopping Secrets survey, commissioned by Rakuten, Japan's biggest online shopping mall. The survey aims to uncover fun facts about shopping -- the world's favourite pastime -- among consumers in Asia, Europe and America[1].
In particular, more respondents from shopping-mad Asia (36%) ranked shopping an effective breakup therapy compared to their counterparts in Europe or United States (24%).
More than one-third (34%) of men and women also prefer to shop online rather than offline in the one month after a break-up, with not wanting to go out and interact with people (53%), wanting more privacy (47%), not wanting people to see that they look depressed (22%), not wanting to bump into the ex (17%) or friends / friends of the ex (15%) cited as the main reasons. However, a small proportion (2%) have a darker motive for preferring to shop online -- because they still have the credit card details of their former partner, or because they still have a supplementary credit card that is billed to their former partner!
It is hardly surprising then, that 22% of respondents spend more money shopping online compared to offline in the one month after a break-up, with about half (48%) reporting up to 20% increase in online spending.
Best Buys For The Broken-Hearted
Respondents are most likely to buy themselves a vacation (19%), food or drink (17%), as well as fashion and accessories (14%) to get over a break-up.
Besides shopping, respondents use a wide variety of methods to get over their break-ups. The top five break-up therapies are:
Thankfully for their former partners, respondents rank "planning an elaborate revenge plot" and "ranting on social media" as the worst break-up therapies.
Valentine's Day gift wishlist
On a happier note, the survey also looked at gifting behaviours for Valentine's Day for those who are happily in love.
45% of women expect a gift for Valentine's Day compared to just 36% of men.
Top Valentine's Day gifts that are high on the wishlist this year include a kiss, hug or something more (40%), a vacation (33%), chocolates and other food / drink (29%), fashion and accessories (22%), jewellery (20%) and flowers and soft toys (18%). Least popular gifts include pets, life insurance policy, hairloss products, stationery and gym / golf memberships.
To find your perfect Valentine's Day gift (or breakup therapy), log on to http://www.rakuten.com.my/event/valentine-sale/.
Note:
[1] The survey was conducted on 1,000 respondents each in Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, United States, United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.
About Rakuten
Rakuten, Inc. (4755:Tokyo), is one of the world's leading Internet service companies, providing a variety of services for consumers and businesses, including in the areas of e-commerce, eReading, travel, banking, securities, credit cards, e-money, logistics, portal and media, online marketing and professional sports. Since 2012, Rakuten has been ranked among the world's 'Top 10 Most Innovative Companies' in Forbes magazine's annual list. Rakuten is expanding worldwide and currently operates throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania. Founded in 1997, Rakuten is headquartered in Tokyo, with over 10,000 employees and partner staff worldwide.
About Rakuten Malaysia
Launched in Malaysia in November 2012, Rakuten Online Shopping carries over 100,000 goods from over 500 merchants with a diverse mix of product categories, including consumer electronics, computer and IT, healthcare, fashion apparel, jewellery and accessories. For more information: http://www.rakuten.com.my/info/corp
