This year may not have gone the way anyone could have foreseen but pandemic or not, consumers are still shopping and preparing for a holiday season filled with good tidings and gift giving. Conquer the holidays and grow your sales and network with these key holiday trends.
#1 Ecommerce
According to a study by Criteo, online retail sales have grown 30% in the Americas and 17% worldwide. Additionally, BOPIS or “buy online pick up in-store” has more than doubled globally.
Social distancing and face mask mandates have severely altered the in-store shopping experience driving many consumers to shop online. Current market trends reflect that consumers are trading their shopping shoes for pajamas and ecommerce.
Quick Tip: Take advantage of Black Friday and Holiday sales to drive your customers online with exclusive online offers. Consider using free shipping discounts to overcome one con of shopping online versus in-store and grow the traffic to your online shop.
#2 Loyalty
A survey done by Criteo showed that 72% of consumers discovered new smaller brands that they didn’t know about and purchased from them for the first time. With 83% stating that they will be purchasing from them again in the future.
As online shopping trends continue to grow, so do ads and campaigns from your competitors to attract new customers. By focusing on brand loyalty and user brand experience, you will not only attract new customers but also keep your current buyers returning.
Quick Tip: Send out reminder notifications and follow-up emails to your current and previous shoppers to keep them updated on your new products and offers. Consider starting a loyalty program that rewards your customers with a point system that unlocks exclusive deals and offers.
#3 Apps
Recent data from an AppsFlyer survey shows that ecommerce retail revenue in the US has more than doubled since lockdown first began with 51% of consumers having downloaded at least one shopping app.
Utilizing an all inclusive shopping app creates quick and easy purchase opportunities multiple times throughout the day. Each time your customers’ see the app on their phone or tablet, they will be reminded to check out your latest styles and offers.
Quick Tip: Already have an app? Consider using retargetting to reengage current customers that may have forgotten about your app. Send notifications with special offers or detailing new product launches. Don’t have an app? Look into development or encourage your customers to make an app-style bookmarked phone link through Safari “Add to Home Screen.”
#4 Lifestyle
In a survey done by Criteo, over 55% of US consumers said that the pandemic was a great time to make a lifestyle change or adopt new activities and hobbies.
A big inspiration for the fashion and apparel industry is depicting lifestyles. Determine your target market and create a product line that reflects and coincides with that market’s lifestyle.
Quick Tip: The Black Friday and Holiday seasons are the perfect platform to launch targeted campaigns to attract a new or retargeted audience.
#5 Travel
According to a recent Criteo survey, 62% of US consumers are looking forward to traveling again.
As more airlines and travel services open back up, people are rushing to get away. One thing that has remained is that traveling consumers shop local to their destination or online.
Quick Tip: Inspire shoppers to refresh their look while they travel or add travel essentials to your product lines.
This year may not have gone the way anyone could have foreseen but pandemic or not, consumers are still shopping and preparing for a holiday season filled with good tidings and gift giving. Conquer the holidays and grow your sales and network with these key holiday trends.
Source: Unraveled: 5 Key Holiday Trends this Year — TSC Apparel Blog | Unraveled
