Top retail searches in Google hint at bargain hunting

by Jennifer Osieczanek · December 18, 2013

By Jennifer Osieczanek

Shoppers appear to have bargains on the brain when they head to Google.

The site released its top searches for 2013 on Tuesday and Kohl’s topped the list for apparel brands and retailers.

JCPenney was second on the list and Nordstrom, with a focus on it’s discount branch Nordstrom Rack and shoe department, was third. Forever 21 and Victoria’s Secret rounded out the top five, while Old Navy, Macy’s, American Eagle, Nike and Dillard’s completed the top 10 retail searches of the year.

A look at the data released by Google indicates a surge of searches during the Black Friday shopping period for many of the top retailers. Kohl’s, JCPenney, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, Old Navy, Macy’s, American Eagle and Dillards all saw their searches peak during the week of Nov. 24-30.

Victoria’s Secret also saw a second significant spike of interest for the week of Dec. 8-14. That surge is likely the result of the lingerie retailer’s annual televised fashion show, which aired Dec. 10.

As for the two retailers in the top 10 that didn’t see peak searches during Black Friday – Nordstrom and Nike – it appears that they’re making strides now. Until this week, Nordstrom’s high search was also the week of Nov. 24-30, but partial indicators for Dec. 15-21 point to a higher interest in the chain now than during the Black Friday shopping period.

Nike also is looking at a higher interest level this week, but the week of Dec. 1-7 also saw a slightly higher rating than that of Nov. 24-30 for the athletic shoe and apparel giant.

Speaking of shoes, Google released a top 10 of shoe brands searched as well. TOMS topped the list, followed by Aldo, Nike, Jessica Simpson and Steve Madden. Nine West, SUPRA, Coach, Puma and Vans rounded out Google’s top 10.

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