The last couple of days before Christmas can be particularly hectic for retailers, as customers crowd brick-and-mortar locations in a rush to buy last-minute gifts for their friends and family. Perhaps because of the confusion and frustration that consumers experience during those last few holiday shopping days, almost half of them (49.9 percent) will instead opt to purchase their remaining items online, according to a recent survey from the National Retail Federation. 

As has been the case throughout the past few weeks of the holiday shopping season, this decision will break another ecommerce record, with more shoppers completing their gift purchases online this year in comparison to any other. 

While many consumers will finalize their shopping on Wednesday, Dec. 18 (29.2 percent), some will hold out until at least Saturday, Dec. 21 (12.3 percent). In light of these circumstances, retailers should prepare for an uptick in expedited shipping orders. Streamlined supply chain management will be important for taking products from the point of sale to the customer's door before Christmas arrives.