- Halloween (October 31, 2024)
- Singles' Day (November 11, 2024)
- Black Friday (November 29, 2024)
- Small Business Saturday (November 30, 2024)
- Cyber Monday (December 2, 2024)
- Green Monday (December 9, 2024)
- Free Shipping Day (Mid-December, varies yearly - December 14, 2025)
- Christmas Day (December 25, 2024)
- New Year's Day (January 1, 2025)
- Chinese New Year (varies yearly - January 29, 2025)
- Super Bowl Sunday (First Sunday in February - February 9, 2025)
- Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2025)
- Conclusion
For eCommerce sellers, the holiday season is like the Super Bowl – a high-stakes game with the potential for huge wins. From Halloween to Valentine’s Day, shoppers are in spending mode, looking for deals and gifts, and it’s your chance to make the most of it. But with that surge in consumer demand comes the pressure to keep your store running smoothly, juggle inventory, and meet last-minute shipping deadlines – which is clearly a lot to handle with.
It’s the ultimate test for sellers, and success during this period can define the entire year’s profitability.
Did you know that holiday sales can account for up to 30% of a retailer’s annual revenue? And with US holiday retail sales surpassing $960 billion in 2023, the potential to boost your earnings is massive. But whether you’re selling seasonal decor, last-minute gifts, or New Year’s resolution essentials – preparation is of the essence.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important and profitable dates between Halloween and Valentine’s Day – dates that every seller should mark on their calendar. For each, we’ll provide practical tips and quick hacks to help you navigate the holiday rush, even if time is tight.
Whether you’re new to eCommerce or looking to level up this season, we’ve got the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. We’ll touch on every holiday separately and in accordance with the yearly calendar:
Halloween (October 31, 2024)
Halloween’s impacts eCommerce sales
Halloween isn’t just for costumes and candy anymore; it marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, offering eCommerce sellers the perfect chance to boost sales. In 2023, US consumers were expected to spend $12.2 billion on Halloween-related purchases, making it one of the highest-grossing retail holidays. Whether you sell themed products or not, this is a prime time to create promotions that get your customers in the holiday spirit.
Data-driven insight
More than 170 million Americans celebrate Halloween, with a growing interest in home decor, parties, and even pet costumes. While 50% of shoppers will wait until October to start their shopping, 15% leave their purchases to the last two weeks before Halloween.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Create bundles
Group together complementary products (e.g., costumes, decor) for a higher average order value.
- Cater to last-minute shoppers
Promote express shipping or offer digital downloads like Halloween printables to target late buyers.
- Add urgency
Use countdown timers on your site and emphasize deadlines for delivery in your marketing to drive quick purchases.
Singles’ Day (November 11, 2024)
Singles’ Day’s impact on eCommerce sales
Originally created as an anti-Valentine’s Day in China, Singles’ Day has evolved into the world’s largest online shopping event, often surpassing Black Friday and Cyber Monday in terms of sales volume. In 2022, Alibaba, one of the major platforms promoting the event, reported sales of over $84.5 billion across its ecosystem during Singles’ Day.
This shopping day offers a huge opportunity for eCommerce sellers, especially those with an international customer base or global shipping options – so our biggest suggestion is to not skip this one.
Data-driven insight
The growing popularity of Singles’ Day has extended beyond China, with more US retailers starting to participate in the event. Global consumers are increasingly aware of the event, particularly younger demographics, making it a powerful sales driver. With more than 290,000 brands participating worldwide, it’s clear that Singles’ Day is an essential date for eCommerce sellers to leverage.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Target international audiences
If you’re not yet shipping globally, consider implementing cross-border selling strategies to reach international buyers who are tuned into Singles’ Day promotions.
- Use social media to drive sales
Engage with a younger, mobile-focused audience through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat – because that’s where they are. Flash sales and countdowns work particularly well in creating excitement.
- Run exclusive, limited-time offers
Singles’ Day is all about deals, so make sure your promotions are attractive. Use discounts, bundled offers, and freebies to drive urgency.
- Optimize for mobile
Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, with fast load times and a simple, responsive design. A smooth mobile experience is crucial for capturing sales, especially as many Singles’ Day shoppers make quick purchases on their phones, and it’s not something you’d want to miss out on.
- Leverage partnerships
If you’re selling on marketplaces like AliExpress, use their tools to promote your products, or consider teaming up with international brands to co-market during this event.
Black Friday (November 29, 2024)
Black Friday’s impact on eCommerce sales
As the largest shopping day of the year, Black Friday is synonymous with significant discounts and consumer spending to the max. Mostly known as a physical doorbuster holiday, it’s also a critical day for eCommerce sellers to capitalize on high traffic; shoppers are eager to take advantage of limited-time offers and steep price cuts, both indoor and online.
Offering aggressive discounts and creating an easy shopping experience are key to making the most of this high-traffic day.
Data-driven insight
In 2023, US consumers spent $9.8 billion online during Black Friday, with momentous spikes in sales across electronics, toys, and apparel. This shopping event consistently sees a massive influx of online shoppers, making it an ideal opportunity for eCommerce businesses to boost sales.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Offer flash sales and remarkable discounts
Black Friday is about the gravity of time – create urgency with limited-time offers or special doorbuster deals to attract early shoppers and increase conversions.
- Automate your marketing
If you’re not automating your business, then what are you doing? Most eCommerce sellers understand that in order to keep up with their competitors, automation is necessary. Use automated email campaigns and social media posts to promote deals in real-time. This frees up time while keeping your promotions consistent throughout the day.
- Optimize for high traffic
Black Friday can (and will) bring a surge in website visitors, and you need to be prepared for such a drastic stream of online shoppers. For the ideal experience for both you and your customers, ensure your site is optimized for high traffic and performs well on both desktop and mobile to prevent slowdowns or crashes.
Small Business Saturday (November 30, 2024)
Small Business Saturday’s impact on eCommerce sales
What started as a movement to encourage shoppers to support local businesses has since evolved into an essential day for small online retailers as well. Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to seek out unique, independent brands, providing eCommerce sellers with an opportunity to differentiate themselves from larger competitors.
With more consumers looking to make purchases that support small and local businesses, this day has grown into a key opportunity for eCommerce brands that want to leverage their personal, handcrafted, or community-driven ethos.
Data-driven insight
US consumers spend an estimated $184 billion on Small Business Saturday. This shows that the trend of supporting small businesses is not just a fleeting one, and there is plenty of potential for online sellers to attract a growing audience of shoppers who prioritize unique, personal, and independent products.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Highlight your brand’s story
Use social media and email campaigns to showcase your brand’s journey, the personal touch you offer, and what makes you stand out as a small business. Consumers love stories, and this is your chance to connect with them on a deeper level – and they’re actually looking forward to it, so it’s always best to give them what they want.
- Offer exclusive deals for the day
Differentiate yourself from big-box retailers by offering special deals that reflect your brand’s unique products. You could bundle products, offer exclusive discounts, or include free add-ons that would be difficult for larger stores to easily replicate.
- Promote your independence
Make sure your marketing emphasizes that you’re a small, independent business. Consumers shopping on Small Business Saturday want to support businesses like yours, so remind them of the impact they’re making by choosing to shop with you. Any additional benefits you could think of that address this aspect of your business are important to include.
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Cyber Monday (December 2, 2024)
Cyber Monday’s impact on eCommerce sales
Cyber Monday is the perfect day for eCommerce businesses to shine. It’s all about snagging those online deals, and shoppers are primed for it. Whether they missed out on Black Friday or are just looking for a second round of discounts, because once is clearly not enough, this is your chance to keep the momentum going.
Electronics, gadgets, and digital products are the stars of the show, but if we’re being honest – anything with a good deal will catch attention.
Data-driven insight
Consumers spent $12.4 billion on Cyber Monday in 2023, and if that doesn’t tell you that this day is one of the most important of the holiday season, we’re not sure what will. Shoppers love the convenience of online shopping, so make sure you’re ready to offer something they can’t resist, something that will be hard to emulate, and something that will keep them wanting more in the long run.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Boost sales with social media ads
If you haven’t already, this is the day to go big on Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok ads. Showcase your best deals, and be clear about what makes your products stand out and why they’re so useful. Are you offering flash sales? Limited-time offers? Let people know!
- Free shipping seals the deal
Customers hate extra fees at checkout, so offering free shipping – even if it’s just for the day – can make a huge difference on Cyber Monday. It’s an easy way to reduce cart abandonment and give people that final push to hit ‘buy.’
- Polish your product pages
Give your product listings some love – make sure you use high-quality images, clear descriptions, and easy navigation. Make it super easy for shoppers to get the info they need and complete their purchase without hesitation, thus promoting a better customer experience and a whole lot more sales for your business.
Green Monday (December 9, 2024)
Green Monday’s impact on eCommerce sales
Green Monday is a lesser-known but powerful day for eCommerce. Falling in mid-December, it represents one of the last big pushes for online holiday shopping. As consumers race against delivery deadlines to get gifts in time for Christmas, Green Monday is a critical opportunity to capture those last-minute buyers who need fast shipping and easy gift options.
Our tip – don’t neglect this day. If you’re not too familiar with the data, read on and do your own research to make sure you come prepared.
Data-driven insight
The global spending on Green Monday in 2023 was over $3 billion. It’s consistently one of the top shopping days in December, with many consumers focusing on last-minute purchases that can be delivered in time for the holidays. It’s a must-watch day for sellers offering fast shipping or easy gift ideas.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Highlight fast-shipping items
Promote products that can be delivered quickly, with clear messaging around guaranteed delivery dates before Christmas to boost engagement and sales.
- Promote gift cards
Offer gift cards as a go-to solution for shoppers whose orders might not be able to make it in time; they’re a perfect no-hassle option for last-minute gifting.
- Bundle items for easy gifting
Curate gift sets and bundles that make holiday shopping simple. Pre-packaged sets are a time-saver for busy buyers who want gifts that are ready to go, and they can be marketed as care packages.
Free Shipping Day (Mid-December, varies yearly – December 14, 2025)
Free Shipping Day’s impact on eCommerce sales
Free Shipping Day may not be as widely known as other shopping events, but it’s a massive opportunity for eCommerce sellers – just like the rest of the holidays on this list. Occurring yearly in mid-December, this day is designed to give customers a final push to shop online with the promise of free shipping and guaranteed delivery before Christmas.
For many last-minute shoppers, this is the deciding factor in choosing where to shop – which is exactly why this holiday is so important.
Data-driven insight
While official sales figures for Free Shipping Day aren’t always widely reported, offering free shipping has proven to be a major driver of sales. Studies have shown that 82% of shoppers are more likely to make a purchase if free shipping is offered, especially when holiday deadlines are approaching. It’s a key strategy to boost conversions and capture those last-minute sales.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Promote free shipping on all orders
Even if it’s for one day only, offering free shipping across your store can be a huge draw. Make sure your messaging is clear and visible across all marketing channels.
- Emphasize ‘arrives before Christmas’
For items that qualify, highlight their ability to arrive before Christmas. This creates urgency and reassures shoppers that their gifts will arrive in time, which is precisely what they’re looking for.
- Use email and social media to spread the word
Push your free shipping promotion through email marketing and social media campaigns. Create eye-catching posts and emails that let your customers know they can still shop with confidence.
Christmas Day (December 25, 2024)
Christmas Day’s impact on eCommerce sales
Christmas Day itself isn’t typically a peak shopping day, but it marks the start of the post-holiday sales period. After the gift-giving is done, many shoppers turn to online stores to take advantage of post-Christmas clearance deals.
For eCommerce sellers, it’s an ideal time to clear out excess holiday inventory and begin preparing for the post-holiday shopping surge, which often continues into the New Year as shoppers use gift cards or return items.
Data-driven insight
According to post-holiday shopping insights, 45% of consumers enjoy shopping after December 25, using this time to take advantage of discounts and search for additional gifts or treats for themselves. Additionally, in 2023, online holiday sales in the U.S. reached $221.1 billion by Christmas Eve, marking a significant increase in digital shopping compared to previous years.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Promote post-Christmas clearance deals
Start marketing your clearance items on Christmas Day itself to get ahead of the competition. Offer deep discounts to move leftover holiday inventory and make room for new stock.
- Offer ‘Thank You’ promotions
Send out thank you emails to your customers, offering exclusive discounts as a token of appreciation for their business during the holiday season. This is a great way to encourage loyalty and additional purchases.
- Plan for returns and exchanges
Returns often spike right after Christmas. Make sure you have a clear and customer-friendly return policy in place, and promote it to build trust and improve customer satisfaction during this busy time.
New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)
New Year’s Day’s impact on eCommerce sales
New Year’s Day marks a fresh start for many consumers, and it’s the perfect time to tap into the ‘new year, new me’ mentality. Shoppers are looking for products that align with their resolutions – whether it’s improving their health, boosting productivity, or focusing on self-care.
For eCommerce sellers, this is an excellent opportunity to cater to those looking for a change; whether it’s fitness equipment, planners, or wellness products, there’s a huge demand for items that help people achieve their goals, so be sure to take advantage of that and plan accordingly.
Data-driven insight
In 2022, the fitness industry continued to experience growth as consumers prioritized health and wellness products. Post-holiday fitness purchases surged, with home gym equipment sales reaching $424 million, nearly double the sales from 2019. This demonstrates the ongoing consumer focus on self-improvement products in the new year, making it a prime time for eCommerce sellers to target shoppers with fitness and self-care offers.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Launch a ‘New Year, New You’ campaign
Promote items that help customers with their fitness, self-care, or productivity goals. This is the best time of year to push products that focus on personal growth and improvement.
- Use flash sales or limited-time offers
Take advantage of the new year’s energy by running short-term promotions to move leftover holiday inventory. Shoppers love a good deal, especially when it helps them kick off their resolutions.
- Align product messaging with New Year goals
Whether it’s health-related, productivity-focused, or about personal development – make sure your messaging ties into the mindset of renewal and growth. Highlight how your products can help customers stick to their resolutions.
Chinese New Year (varies yearly – January 29, 2025)
Chinese New Year’s Impact on eCommerce sales
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant holidays in China, lasting up to 15 days. During this period, many factories and suppliers shut down for several weeks, which can disrupt global supply chains.
For eCommerce sellers who rely on Chinese suppliers, it’s crucial to plan well in advance to prevent inventory shortages and shipping delays. While it presents several logistical challenges, it’s also an opportunity to focus on other aspects of your business during the downtime.
Data-driven insight
Chinese New Year significantly impacts global supply chains, as the holiday causes factory shutdowns across China and other parts of Asia. In 2023, these closures lasted from January 22 to February 5, leading to reduced production capacity and extended shipping delays, with ripple effects on global logistics. This downtime can affect inventory and fulfillment timelines for businesses relying on Chinese suppliers, making it essential to plan ahead.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Stock up early
Ensure you’ve ordered enough inventory to cover the period before, during, and after the Chinese New Year. Placing orders well in advance will help mitigate supply chain disruptions, which cannot be avoided during this time.
- Communicate shipping delays
If your suppliers are affected, make sure to communicate potential delays clearly to your customers. Transparency will help manage expectations and reduce complaints.
- Promote in-stock products
Use this time to push items that are already available and ready to ship. You could also explore alternative suppliers for short-term needs to keep your store running smoothly.
Super Bowl Sunday (First Sunday in February – February 9, 2025)
Super Bowl Sunday’s impact on eCommerce sales
While not a traditional shopping holiday, Super Bowl Sunday is a massive retail event, especially for food, drinks, and party supplies. Consumers across the US gather to watch the big game, often hosting parties and celebrations that lead to a significant spike in sales of snacks, beverages, and other party-related items.
It’s the perfect time for eCommerce sellers to capitalize on the excitement by offering promotions tied to the event.
Data-driven insight
During Super Bowl Week in 2023, savory snack food sales surged to $796 million, a 29% increase from the previous year. Super Bowl Sunday alone sees an explosion of spending on food and beverages, with total consumer spending expected to reach $16.5 billion in 2023, covering everything from snacks to apparel and decorations. This makes it one of the biggest spending events outside of traditional holidays.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Offer special promotions
Target party essentials like food delivery, drinks, and decor with game-day specific promotions. Even if your products aren’t directly related, you can tie them into the excitement with appropriately themed campaigns.
- Run ads or campaigns tied to the event
Use the Super Bowl’s energy to create ads that resonate with party hosts and attendees. Use the buzz to push time-sensitive deals or bundles.
- Create bundles of party goods
Offer curated collections of party supplies to make it easy for customers to grab everything they need for their Super Bowl gatherings. Bundling items is also a great way to increase average order value.
Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2025)
Valentine’s Day’s impact on eCommerce sales
Valentine’s Day is one of the most lucrative holidays for eCommerce sellers, particularly those offering gifts like flowers, jewelry, chocolates, and romantic experiences. Consumers are on the lookout for meaningful and personalized gifts, often willing to splurge for the occasion.
For online retailers, this holiday presents a prime opportunity to increase sales through curated offerings and targeted marketing.
Data-driven insight
In 2023, US consumers spent a staggering $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, making it one of the most lucrative holidays for eCommerce retailers. The average consumer planned to spend around $193 on gifts for loved ones, friends, and even pets, making Valentine’s Day a prime opportunity for retailers.
Tips and preparation hacks
- Offer gift bundles and packages
Curate bundles that combine popular Valentine’s Day gifts, like chocolates, flowers, and jewelry. This helps increase cart value and offers shoppers an easy gifting solution, which they are (most probably) desperately searching for.
- Start marketing early
Capture shoppers who like to plan ahead by running early promotions. Highlight options for personalized gifts and experiences, such as custom-engraved items or unique experiences.
- Highlight last-minute options
Promote express shipping or e-gift cards for last-minute shoppers who need instant solutions. Make sure they know they can still get the perfect gift, even if they’re shopping late.
| Holiday | Date | What makes it special | Best strategies for sellers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halloween | October 31, 2024 | Kicks off the holiday shopping season with high demand for costumes, candy, and decor | Promote themed bundles, cater to last-minute shoppers with fast shipping options |
| Singles’ Day | November 11, 2024 | World’s largest online shopping day, especially popular in China, rivals Black Friday | Offer limited-time deals, target younger audiences with flash sales and international buyers |
| Black Friday | November 29, 2024 | Largest shopping day of the year, focused on deep discounts and massive consumer spending | Create doorbuster deals, use flash sales, and optimize for high traffic – especially mobile |
| Small Business Saturday | November 30, 2024 | Celebrates small and local businesses, increasingly popular in eCommerce | Highlight your small business identity, offer exclusive discounts and leverage social media |
| Cyber Monday | December 2, 2024 | Focused purely on online shopping, ideal for tech and digital products | Offer free shipping, optimize product pages, and promote through social ads |
| Green Monday | December 9, 2024 | Second largest online shopping day in December for last-minute holiday shoppers | Promote fast-shipping items, push gift cards, and offer ready-to-ship bundles |
| Free Shipping Day | Mid-December (varies yearly – December 14, 2024) | Incentivizes last-minute shoppers with free shipping offers and guaranteed delivery before Christmas | Emphasize free shipping across orders and promote ‘arrives before Christmas’ products |
| Christmas Eve | December 24, 2024 | Major opportunity for last-minute gift buyers, especially digital products and same-day services | Promote digital gift cards and emphasize local pickups or same-day delivery |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2024 | Focus shifts to post-Christmas clearance and gift card redemptions | Start post-Christmas clearance deals, and focus on customer satisfaction with returns |
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2025 | Driven by New Year’s resolutions, increasing demand for fitness, health, and self-improvement products | Create ‘New Year, New You’ campaigns in advance, focus on health, fitness, and productivity products |
| Chinese New Year | Late January to Mid-February (varies yearly – January 29, 2025) | Impacts global supply chains due to factory shutdowns in China, affecting inventory and logistics | Stock up on inventory early, communicate delays, and promote in-stock items |
| Super Bowl Sunday | First Sunday in February (February 9, 2025) | Not a traditional shopping day, but huge for sales of food, drinks, and party-related products | Promote party supplies, run ads tied to the Super Bowl, and create easy-to-buy bundles |
| Valentine’s Day | February 14, 2025 | High demand for gifts like flowers, chocolates, and jewelry, with a focus on romantic experiences | Offer gift bundles, highlight express shipping or e-gift cards for last-minute shoppers |
Conclusion
As the holiday season comes and goes, preparation remains key for eCommerce sellers who want to make the most of these crucial shopping dates. While early planning helps you stay ahead – whether it’s for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Valentine’s Day – last-minute strategies such as fast shipping, flash sales, and personalized promotions can still yield impressive results. Automating your marketing efforts and offering targeted deals can turn even a rushed campaign into a successful one.
Looking ahead, it’s worth reflecting on last season’s performance and preparing for the next. Managing inventory, running promotions, and ensuring seamless customer communication are all part of the game.
To help you stay organized and financially prepared for future growth, consider 8fig’s funding and financial management tools. From cash flow management to strategic planning, 8fig provides the resources you need to scale your business, so you’ll never be caught off guard during peak seasons again.
Have article ideas, requests, or collaboration proposals? Reach out to us at editor@8fig.co – we’d love to hear from you.
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