The holiday season has arrived and consumer trends suggest gift-givers are planning to "shop until they drop." Better Business Bureau offers tips to help you shop smart, or better cater to your clientele, in step with 2014 holiday trends.  

2014 Trend: Even though they intend to spend more, holiday shoppers remain keenly focused on discounts and sales. Consumers ultimately tend to view discounts as an important factor in their purchasing decisions. 

BBB Tip: Price isn't everything. Make sure you do your due diligence and compare the product's quality and the company's reliability. Check Consumer Reports, bbb.org and talk to friends. Comparison shop and familiarize yourself with a company's return, exchange, and refund policies. 

2014 Trend: Retailers may see a shift in sales in the post-holiday season this year, as more than half (57 percent) of consumers plan to purchase gift cards (the top item on most shopping lists).

BBB Tip: Avoid buying gift cards on the secondary market. Look for discounted multi-card packs or incentives through the merchant or your credit card company. American Express already ran one such promotion for cardholders this season where the company offered 10% off a number of popular retailer gift cards. Get a receipt of activation when buying in-store and hang onto it for your (and your recipient's) protection. 

2014 Trend: Loyalty programs. Many consumers are willing to share their personal information, such as contact details and preferences, in order for retailers to be able to provide them with personalized and customized offers during the holidays.

BBB Tip: Guard personal and financial information. Less is more. Be careful who you share with and watch your passwords. Watch online "free" subscriptions that may turn into monthly charges after an introductory period. Watch for "phishing" emails from "phony" retailers or shippers that try to trick you into exposing passwords or financial information.

2014 Trend: Consumer analysis indicates that more than half of holiday shoppers will use a laptop or home computer to make purchases or assist in their shopping this season. Some might also use smartphones, or turn to social networking sites for further assistance.

BBB Tip: Never make purchases while on Wi-Fi. Only use secure, encrypted, "https," sites when buying online. Don't use the same password for shopping or for creation of "user accounts" that is used for your bank account.  

2014 Trend: Many consumers participate in "webrooming" - browsing online and then going into a store to make their purchase. While researching online offers consumers many conveniences, checking online to determine if a product is in stock is most popular, followed by being able to touch and feel a product before purchase and the desire to avoid shipping costs.

BBB Tip: Place online orders well in advance.

For more holiday shopping tips, along with consumer tips and news, please visit bbb.org.