Ecommerce Holiday Sales: Best Selling Opportunities for Online stores
Raise your hand if you want to beat your own sales targets!! For you, eCommerce holiday sales are the perfect opportunity to boost your profits and win over new customers.
However, with so many other online stores competing for attention, it can be challenging for you to stand out and make a significant impact on your online sales. To truly excel during eCommerce holiday sales, online stores must identify the best-selling opportunities available to them.
In this blog post, we will explore the key strategies that online retailers can use to make the most of the holiday season. From identifying the most popular product categories to implementing effective marketing techniques, we’ll help you create a winning eCommerce holiday sales strategy.
Whether you’re an experienced eCommerce business owner or just starting out, here you will get the insights to drive your online sales to new heights.
So, buckle up and get ready to discover the best-selling opportunities for your eCommerce store during the year!
Top 10 eCommerce Holidays to Boost Your Sales
Ready to drive holiday shoppers to your online store? For that, first, you must know the popular sale opportunities for online retailers.
Here are the 10 most important holiday sales for eCommerce businesses:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale
- Thanksgiving Sale
- Christmas & New Year Sale
- Super Bowl Sale
- Valentine’s Day Sale
- Easter Sale
- Mother’s Day Sale
- Father’s Day Sale
- Back-to-school/college Sale
- Halloween Sale
So, let’s understand them in detail!
1. Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale
As an eCommerce store owner, you probably know that the holiday shopping season is vital for your business. And two of the biggest days during this period are Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These days offer a chance for businesses to boost their revenue, attract new customers, and clear out excess inventory before the end of the year.
According to Adobe Analytics, in 2021, consumers in the US spent a record-breaking $9.2 billion online on Black Friday alone, with Cyber Week sales totaling $10.7 billion. These numbers represent a significant increase over previous years and demonstrate the importance of these sales events for eCommerce businesses.
However, it’s not just the sales figures that matter. Sales trends during Black Friday Cyber Monday, have shifted significantly in recent years.
Many retailers have extended their sales periods to include the days leading up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as well as the days following them. This has allowed retailers to capture more sales and reduce the pressure on their websites and fulfillment centers on the busiest days.
2. Thanksgiving Sale
Thanksgiving—That special time of year when families gather around the table, stuff themselves with turkey and pumpkin pie, and end up in a food coma on the couch. But for eCommerce businesses, Thanksgiving is also a time of massive sales opportunities.
The origins of Thanksgiving date back to the 1620s when the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to celebrate a successful harvest. But let’s be real, most of us are more interested in the modern-day version of Thanksgiving, complete with football games and parades.
For eCommerce businesses, Thanksgiving has become a crucial sales period, with merchants offering discounts and promotions both in-store and online.
But what about the sales trends during the busiest shopping days around Thanksgiving?
In 2021, online spending by American shoppers during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend was $5.1 billion. And while Black Friday may get all the attention, Thanksgiving Day itself saw a 22% increase in online spending compared to the previous year.
So, what does this mean for eCommerce businesses?
It means that you need to be ready to capitalize on the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether you’re offering discounts, promoting specific products, or creating special events, you need to make sure that your eCommerce store is optimized for the holiday rush.
3. Christmas & New Year Sale
Christmas has its roots in Christianity and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. But in modern times, it has become a cultural holiday that brings families and friends together to exchange gifts and enjoy each other’s company. And the New Year—a time for resolutions, fresh starts, and of course, massive sales for eCommerce businesses.
According to the National Retail Federation, consumers spent over $777.3 billion during the Christmas holiday season in 2021. Whereas in 2022, US consumers spent over $13 billion online during the New Year’s holiday season.
This highlights the significance of the holiday season in terms of consumer behavior and eCommerce sales. It’s not just the increased spending that makes Christmas and New Year sales important for eCommerce businesses. It also presents unique sales opportunities.
For example, many shoppers are looking for gift ideas for their loved ones, which presents an opportunity to promote specific products or gift sets. In addition, you can take advantage of the holiday spirit to create special holiday promotions and events that encourage shoppers to make purchases.
When it comes to sales trends during the holiday season, there are a few things to keep in mind. One trend is the continued growth of online shopping. In 2021, online holiday sales grew by 10.5% compared to the previous year. Another trend is the rise of mobile shopping. In 2021, mobile devices accounted for 57% of all online holiday sales in the US.
Well, it’s no surprise that online shopping continues to grow in popularity. And with more and more people shopping from their mobile devices, mobile commerce is becoming increasingly important during the Christmas and New Year sales.
As an eCommerce business owner, you can’t miss taking advantage of these sales. Whether you’re offering discounts, promoting specific products, or creating special events, you need to make sure that your eCommerce store is ready for the influx of shoppers.
4. Super Bowl Sale
The Super Bowl Sale is an annual event that takes place in the United States on the same day as the Super Bowl, which is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL). This shopping event offers discounts and deals on a wide range of products, particularly items related to football and sporting events, as well as electronic gadgets and home appliances.
Consumers are often looking for ways to celebrate the Super Bowl with friends and family, and eCommerce businesses can capitalize on this by offering discounts on items such as food, beverages, party decorations, and electronics.
According to data from the National Retail Federation, consumers spent over $14 billion on Super Bowl-related merchandise and food in 2021, with average spending of $74.55 per household.
This presents a significant opportunity for eCommerce businesses to tap into this market and increase their sales during the Super Bowl Sale. With more mobile traffic and more consumers opting to shop online, eCommerce businesses can offer competitive pricing and convenient delivery options to attract customers during the Super Bowl Sale.
Overall, the Super Bowl Sale is a significant holiday sale for eCommerce businesses, with the potential to generate high sales and attract new customers. By offering competitive pricing, convenient delivery options, and attractive deals, businesses can capitalize on this holiday sale and increase their revenue.
5. Valentine’s Day Sale
Valentine’s Day—A time for love, romance, and of course, eCommerce sales. Yes, that’s right, the Valentine’s Day Sale is a crucial time for online retailers looking to cash in on the lovey-dovey holiday.
The first recorded Valentine’s Day sales campaign was in the early 1900s when a department store in the US offered chocolates and flowers for a romantic day.
Today, the Valentine’s Day Sale has evolved into a massive shopping event for many customers, with retailers offering everything from jewelry to personalized gift sets to romantic trips. And with the rise of online shopping, eCommerce businesses are increasingly becoming a go-to choice for Valentine’s Day shopping.
So, what are the trends during the Valentine’s Day Sale?
Well, it’s no surprise that chocolates and flowers continue to be popular Valentine’s Day gifts. But with more and more people celebrating the holiday in non-traditional ways, unique and personalized gifts are also gaining in popularity.
As an eCommerce business owner, it’s essential to take advantage of the Valentine’s Day Sale. So, break out the chocolates, light some candles, and get ready to feel the love and make some sales this Valentine’s Day.
6. Easter Sale
Easter is a time for celebration, reflection, and most importantly, shopping!
Easter Weekend is a time of religious significance for Christians worldwide. It commemorates the rebirth of Jesus Christ, and it’s a time for reflection and celebration. But for eCommerce businesses, it’s also a time for profits!
According to statistics, Easter is the fourth most significant shopping holiday in the United States, following Christmas, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. In 2021, shoppers spent $21.6 billion on Easter-related purchases! With eCommerce sales continuing to surge, it’s safe to say that the Easter Weekend Sale is an event not to be missed.
So, why is this sale so important for eCommerce businesses?
Well, for starters, it’s a chance to boost sales during a typically slow period. The first quarter of the year can be slow for retailers, but the Easter Weekend Sale provides an opportunity to get shoppers back in the spending mood.
Plus, with many people off work or school for the long weekend, it’s the perfect time to hit online stores.
But let’s not forget the importance of a good deal! Shoppers are always on the lookout for bargains, and the Easter Weekend Sale is no exception. Discounts, free shipping, and bundle deals can entice shoppers to make a purchase they might not have otherwise.
And once they’ve made that first purchase, there’s a higher chance they’ll come back for more.
So there you have it. Get ready to hop on over to your favorite eCommerce stores and bag some egg-cellent deals.
7. Mother’s Day Sale
Mother’s Day is a day when we celebrate motherhood and maternal bonds. While we may not all agree on the best way to show our moms how much we care, one thing is for sure: if you have an online store, you can’t afford to miss the Mother’s Day Sale.
According to statistics, Mother’s Day is the third largest retail holiday in the United States, with an estimated $31.7 billion spent in 2022. And while brick-and-mortar stores have traditionally dominated the holiday, eCommerce sales are on the rise.
So, what does this mean for eCommerce businesses?
Well, for starters, it’s a chance to target a specific target audience too! Finding a perfect gift for their mothers is the top priority for shoppers! Whether it’s a personalized gift, a spa day package, or a special piece of jewelry, there’s no shortage of options for eCommerce businesses to offer.
The Mother’s Day Sale can also be a chance to create a memorable shopping experience. From personalized gift recommendations to creative packaging, there are plenty of creative ways to make the shopping process more enjoyable and stress-free for customers.
And once they’ve had a positive shopping experience, there’s a higher chance they’ll become repeat customers in the future.
8. Father’s Day Sale
Father’s Day—one time of year when we can all show our dear old dads just how much we love them! But in all seriousness, this sale is a big deal for eCommerce businesses.
For online store owners, Father’s Day is an important selling opportunity in many countries around the world, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, just to name a few. It’s a day to honor and appreciate fathers, grandfathers, and father figures for all they do.
You can offer a wide range of products that are perfect for dads, from clothing and gadgets to outdoor gear and home appliances. And during the Father’s Day Sale, these products are often available at discounted prices, making them even more attractive to shoppers.
Today, holiday sales are much more elaborate, with many businesses now offering discounts, coupons, and other incentives to entice shoppers to buy. And it’s not just department stores that participate – eCommerce businesses have also gotten in on the action, using social media platforms and other digital marketing channels to promote their sales.
According to the National Retail Federation, consumers spent over $20.1 billion on Father’s Day gifts in 2021, with over half of that spending happening online. And with more and more shoppers turning to eCommerce for their gift-giving needs, it’s safe to say that the Father’s Day Sale is here to stay for a long.
9. Back-to-school/college Sale
Back-to-school—when parents around the world rejoice at the thought of their kids finally leaving the house again. Also, parents and students are searching for school supplies, clothes, and all the other essentials they need to survive another year of learning.
Let’s not forget the Back-to-college season! With so many options available to online shoppers, it’s no wonder that eCommerce has become a better place for back-to-school as well as back-to-college shopping.
In recent years, back-to-school sales have become much more popular, with eCommerce businesses offering discounts, coupons, and other incentives to attract shoppers. And with the rise of social commerce media and other digital marketing channels, it’s easier than ever for online merchants like you to reach the target audience and promote their sales.
So what do the sales trends look like during the back-to-school season? Well, according to data from the National Retail Federation, consumers spent over $100 billion on back-to-school and back-to-college shopping in 2021, with over half of that spending happening online.
And with more and more parents turning to eCommerce for their back-to-school needs, it’s safe to say that the back-to-school season sale is a force to be reckoned with.
10. Halloween Sale
Halloween—the spookiest time of year when people get to dress up in costumes and demand candy from strangers.
For eCommerce stores, the Halloween sale is a great opportunity to boost their sales and reach new customers. It’s a time when shoppers are looking for the perfect costume or spooky decor to complete their Halloween experience.
Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, originated as an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain. It was believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, and people would dress up in costumes to ward off evil spirits. Nowadays, Halloween has become a holiday celebrated with candy, costumes, and eCommerce sales!
According to statistics, Halloween is a massive retail holiday, with people spending over $10 billion in 2022. And while trick-or-treating may be on hold this year, eCommerce sales for Halloween-related items are expected to soar. From costumes to decorations to candy, there’s no shortage of Halloween-themed products to offer.
But it’s not just about the products themselves; the Halloween Sale can also be an opportunity for eCommerce businesses to get creative with their own marketing efforts. Holiday campaigns on social media, email newsletters, and pop-up ads can all add to the spooky ambiance and attract customers. And once they’re hooked, there’s a higher chance they’ll stick around and become loyal customers.
In a nutshell, the Halloween sale is a great opportunity for you to tap into the spooky spirit of the holiday and boost your online sales.
What are the Popular Product Categories for Holiday Sales?
As the holiday sales approach, shoppers are on the hunt for the perfect gifts, and retailers are preparing for a shopping frenzy. During this time, certain product categories tend to perform particularly well. So, what are the hottest product categories for holiday eCommerce sales?
Here are some of the most popular product categories for holiday eCommerce sales:
- Apparel and Accessories
- Electronics and Tech Accessories
- Toys and Games
- Home Decor
- Kitchen Appliances
- Beauty and Personal Care Products
- Food and Beverage
- Travel and Experiences
1. Apparel and Accessories
Celebration means new clothes!
And, everyone wants to look their best during special occasions. According to Deloitte’s 2021 holiday retail survey, clothing and accessories are the best-selling product category.
Clothing, shoes, and accessories are always a hit, especially when retailers offer deals on the latest trends. And let’s not forget about winter clothing and accessories for winter holiday sales.
2. Electronics and Tech Accessories
Let’s be real—who doesn’t love a good gadget?
During the holiday season, electronics and tech accessories are in high demand. They are the best gifting options among shoppers.
From smartphones to laptops to gaming consoles, everyone wants the latest and greatest. If you are selling electronic products, you must make sure you opt for holiday sales!
3. Toys and Games
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s bringing toys and games for all the good little boys and girls. Kids love toys and games, and the holiday season is the perfect time to stock up. From action figures to board games to video games, there’s something for everyone.
Who doesn’t love a good bundle deal or discount on their favorite toy brand? In case, you don’t have an online toy store, you can offer toys as free holiday gifts to your shoppers for their holiday shopping at your store.
4. Home Decor
Everyone wants their home to look its best during the holiday season when friends and family come to visit.
Decorating homes, offices or stores is an inevitable part of the festive season celebration. So if your online store belongs to the Home decor category, you should prepare for each and every eCommerce holiday sale.
Deck the halls with branches of holly—and all the holiday-themed home decor you can put on your store during the holiday sales. Whether it’s festive decorations, cozy bedding, or stylish furniture, home decor is a popular product category during the holiday season.
5. Kitchen Appliances
The holiday season is a time for family gatherings and feasts, and that means people are on the lookout for kitchen appliances. From mixers to blenders to air fryers, shoppers are looking for deals on the latest and greatest kitchen gadgets to help them prepare their holiday meals.
Plus, cookware and bakeware can be the best-selling products—so you can’t avoid them during the holiday seasons.
6. Beauty and Personal Care Products
During the holiday season, people want to look and feel their best for all the holiday parties and events. That’s why beauty and personal care products are a popular product category for holiday eCommerce sales.
From makeup to skincare to haircare, shoppers are on the lookout for deals on their favorite brands. Plus, holiday gift sets are always a hit, making it easy for shoppers to find the perfect gift for their loved ones.
7. Food and Beverage
The holiday season is a time for extravagance, and that means people are on the hunt for their favorite food and beverages. From chocolates to coffee to wine, shoppers are looking for deals on their favorite treats.
And let’s not forget about the holiday-themed food and beverage products.
8. Travel and Experiences
For some, the holidays are all about experiencing new things and creating lasting memories. That’s why travel and experiences are a popular product category during holiday eCommerce sales. Even if your online store doesn’t belong to selling tour tickets or travel products, you can offer gift cards
From hotel stays to concert tickets to trip packages, there are plenty of experiences to choose from that make perfect gifts or holiday treats for your shoppers.
What are the Best Marketing Strategies for Holiday Sales Events?
To make any sale a success, you would require a perfect set of marketing strategies to promote your holiday season sales.
So, let’s see some effective marketing strategies for your holiday sales events.
Special Deals and Promotions
Can you imagine holiday sales without deals or discount offers? Never!!
So the first thing that makes your sales exciting for your shoppers is a bundle of deals.
Offer discounts, free shipping, or bundle deals to attract customers to make holiday purchases during the sale events. Also, use urgency tactics such as limited-time offers, countdown clocks, or low-stock notifications to encourage immediate action.
Holiday-Themed Landing Pages
Create holiday-themed landing pages on your website to showcase your products and promotions. Use festive imagery, colors, and messaging to attract customers. Don’t forget to link your best-selling product pages on your landing page.
Don’t know how to build conversion-ready landing pages for holiday sales?
If you are a Shopify store owner, check out the step-by-step guide on how to create a landing page for the Black Friday sale.
Social Media Advertising
Use your social media platforms to promote your holiday sales and interact with customers. Use hashtags, run social media contests, and share user-generated content to build buzz around your holiday sales.
Make sure to start the holiday campaigns two or four weeks prior to your sale beginning for raise awareness among your potential shoppers. Also, try the first week reaching out to your audience organically.
Email Marketing
You should never give up on treating your subscribers and loyal customers special on special occasions.
Use email marketing to promote your holiday sales and encourage customers to make purchases. Send personalized recommendations and reminders to customers who have shown interest in your products.
Retargeting Ads
Use retargeting ads to target more customers who have previously visited your website or added items to their shopping cart but didn’t complete the purchase. Show them relevant products or offer special promotions to encourage them to complete their purchase.
Influencer Marketing
People like tried and tested stuff.
Collaborate with influencers or bloggers (who are suitable for your niche) to promote your holiday sales. Offer some sample products so they can try and come up with some unique points for increasing your brand’s value.
They can share their true experiences with your products, offer discount codes, and share your promotions with their followers.
If you find the marketing tasks complicated, you can hire eCommerce experts with marketing skills who can help you make your holiday sales outstanding.
What are the Best Practices for Online Stores During Holiday Sales?
Preparing for holiday sales is literally very difficult as there is so much to manage as a store owner. In this busiest time, it’s necessary to make sure everything is streamlined and executed correctly to get the best results.
To make the most of this period, it is essential to adopt best practices that will help your online store stand out from the competition and provide an exceptional customer experience.
Here are some best practices for online stores during holiday sales:
Plan and organize early
If you want to ensure a successful holiday season, then you should start planning and organizing early. So that you would have enough time for preparations and management in case of any disaster happens.
Set clear goals and create a promotional plan to maximize your sales and profits. This includes creating a holiday marketing plan and outlining your promotional strategy.
Stocking up on inventory
Holiday sales often result in an increase in demand for certain products. So, it is crucial to stock up on inventory to avoid running out of stock during the holiday season. You can use historical data and trends to predict which products are likely to be in high demand during the holiday season.
Work with your suppliers to ensure that you have enough products in stock and consider stocking up on popular items.
Upgrading website and software
With the increased traffic to your website during the holiday season, it’s essential to ensure your website is ready for the huge rush of visitors.
Test your website for accurate functioning, optimize website speed, and optimize it for mobile devices. You may also want to consider upgrading your software to handle increased traffic and transactions.
Offer easy returns and exchanges
Make your return and exchange policy clear and straightforward. During the holiday season, customers are more likely to make purchases without trying the product, which may lead to higher return rates.
Providing hassle-free returns and exchanges will make customers more comfortable with their purchase decisions, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
During the holiday season, customers may have questions about products, shipping times, and promotions.
Ensure that you have enough customer service representatives available to handle inquiries and provide quick responses. You should also consider offering live chat or chatbot services to answer customer questions in real-time.
Quick Recap!
So, the guide regarding eCommerce holiday sales ends here! Let’s see the quick summary of what we have learned today.
The holiday season is the perfect time for online stores to capitalize on the surge in consumer spending. With the right marketing strategies and promotions, eCommerce businesses can take advantage of the best-selling opportunities and boost their sales figures.
By focusing on the best-selling product categories (along with the best-selling opportunities) as mentioned above, online stores can leverage the increased consumer spending during the holiday season. However, it’s crucial to prepare early and offer special promotions and discounts to attract customers and stand out from the competition.
Moreover, with the growing trend of online shopping, the potential for eCommerce holiday sales has only grown larger. This presents an opportunity for businesses to expand their reach and attract new customers.
Finally, eCommerce businesses should prioritize their holiday sales strategies and capitalize on the best-selling opportunities to make the most of the holiday season. By doing so, they can not only drive revenue but also build a loyal customer base that will continue to shop with them year-round.
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