ShopLocal(TM), the leader in multi-channel marketing services, is reporting a record breaking 27 percent rise in traffic to top retailers' online circular sites as consumers prepared for their Black Friday shopping expeditions. Sale offers increased by 13 percent over last year and consumers responded in larger numbers and also increased their page views per visit by 12 percent. Retailers facilitated all of this as they not only offered a higher volume of promotions but an unprecedented number of major retailers also announced sales early.

"More than ever, consumers are using the internet to save themselves time and money by pre-planning their visits to local stores," said Vikram Sharma, CEO of ShopLocal. "Throughout the past year consumers have tightened their belts and sought out deals, and we expect the trend will continue during the holidays. Retailers delivered holiday promotions earlier, inspiring more consumers to take advantage of the extended previews of holiday shopping deals and plan their purchases," added Sharma.

Consumer activity on the ShopLocal circular sites peaked on Wednesday at 9 a.m., then again on Thursday at 9 p.m. as consumers solidified their shopping plans for Friday. The Thursday night peak set an all-time record for ShopLocal circular site activity with over 12.7 million page views in a single hour, surpassing the previous record which was also set at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Unlike last year when recession fears curbed holiday spending, pent-up demand has led to consumers viewing more sale content than ever. The increased traffic to ShopLocal circular sites is being driven by increased consumer interest and retailer marketers who are pushing more promotions earlier. Consumers visiting these sites are expected to make the majority of their purchases in children's toys, electronic products, and continue the trend of stay-cations and home improvements.