The Holiday season is upon us. We see it everywhere we go: the local drugstore, big box store, and e-commerce websites. Every marketing effort is being put toward holiday sales. Whether you’re a small or big business, you should take note of important holiday dates. These dates will help you keep in line with your competitors, as well as bring in possible new customers who are in the mood to shop. Mark your calendars for the following dates:
November 22: Thanksgiving Day (US) – Online promotions
Online retailers are learning to post offers early. They are marketing to consumers who spend time in long lines for those “big bargains”. Developing one-day Thanksgiving offers can help bring in sales. While big box store are stocking their shelves, you can start generating revenue with the growing online market.
November 23: Black Friday
Oh yes, you know about this day well. Black Friday is the day millions of shoppers get up at 3am and stand in line to get deeply discounted items. Don’t be afraid to be part of this shopping extravaganza. You may not be a big box store, but it doesn’t mean you can’t create great deals.
November 24: Small Business Saturday
On this day we say to shoppers, “Shop Local”. This holiday season shouldn’t just be about the big box store or mass production. Offer one-day specials and discounts. If you’re a restaurant, offer a free dessert with the purchase of an entree. Local stores, offering unique gifts and showcasing your merchandising this particular day will go a long way. If you use social media to promote Small Business Saturday, remember to use hashtag #smallbizsat. Get on the Official Map.
November 26: Cyber Monday
Technically (pun intended), this is a new tradition. This is the day many shoppers head back into the office and start to look for great deals online. Offer an incentive for shoppers to shop at your online store. Tie in social media acquisition or engagement. Advertisers like Origins (EA Games) will post things like, “Fans can enjoy an 30% off of clearance items if we receive 200 likes on this post by 1pm.” They reveal the 30% off code once they have received the 200 likes. It’s a great tactic, and you can use it too.
December: National Shipping Day – Global
The competition will be doing this, so you should, too. The following days will be National Shipping Day for these countries:
- December 9: United Kingdom
- December 12: Canada
- December 17: United States
Merchants within these countries will provide free shipping on any order with a guarantee that shoppers will receive their items before Christmas. This is one of those rare times your mother didn’t anticipate when you should do something just because everyone else will be doing it.
