Part 1: Newsletter – Issue #708
| On average, the top 10 busiest shopping days in the U.S. account for approximately 40% of all holiday retail traffic. Taking advantage of these 10 days and the days that surround them is paramount to having a successful holiday shopping season. (Source: Forbes online, Sept 28, 2021)
Consumer reports and surveys from nearly every industry expert indicate that the 2022 Christmas shopping season started as early as July, but accelerated in September. A recent survey from research firm Statista suggests that 43% of U.S. Christmas shopping will begin before the end of October. There are three main reasons why consumers are getting in the buying spirit earlier than normal this holiday season:
As reported by Forbes, shopping visits to physical retail stores year-to-date for 2022 are flat compared to last year for the same period. “Using 2021 as a barometer, being flat going into the holiday season is great.” In the years leading up to the pandemic, specifically from 2016 to 2019, foot traffic to stores was trending downward by about 5%, so for 2022, being flat is a positive sign. Businesses that are well-planned and run well-executed events and promotions can help garner more than their fair share of the holiday shopping pie. Knowing when the shoppers are ready to shop and being prepared for them is paramount to getting that fair share. Stores that plan in-store special events and then promote them will see more significant store traffic and greater sales than those that simply sit back and “hope” people stop in. Inviting holiday shoppers into the store at key buying times can and will make all the difference. The busiest shopping days will see some slight changes in 2022, due to Christmas falling on a Sunday. With that said Black Friday will hold its title as the busiest shopping day. Are you ready? According to Forbes magazine and research from Sensormatic Solutions by Johnson Controls, here are, in order, what are expected to be the 10 busiest shopping days for 2022:
While this article focuses on retail, there is major money being spent in and around the holiday season in many other business categories. For example, Life Insurance and Investments, HVAC, and many end-of-year health care procedures are being completed. The age-old saying, “making hay while the sun shines” is appropriate in these and other categories as well. If you would like help in planning any of your marketing and/or advertising events for this holiday season, it’s not too late. Give your media rep a call and they will gladly sit down with you and help come up with creative ideas to help you have a successful 2022 holiday shopping season. |
