While every retailer hopes for strong year-round sales, there are some peak shopping windows for the first two quarters of the year that deserve to be taken advantage of.
But what are they? And how can you maximize their value to your business? Here are some of the biggest peak shopping events around the world that we think every online retailer needs to know about.
E-commerce dates and holidays in Q1
The first quarter of the year is about reconnecting with the customers who discovered your store during the 2023 holiday shopping season. This is the time to build relationships with your customers and encourage loyalty.
March
1. Martisor, March 1 & International Women’s Day, March 8
Target audience: mostly men, but let’s admit that, sometimes, women offer the best gifts 😅
Martisor is a Romanian tradition celebrated at the beginning of spring, and the name of the associated object is made from two intertwined red and white strings with a hanging tassel.
It is a great opportunity for your business to celebrate and support women while promoting your products or services. Discounts and promotions, contests, and limited edition products are just a few ideas that can help you boost your sales.
2. Men’s Day, March 9
Target audience: well…both men and women
Let’s not forget about celebrating men! (can’t live with them, can’t live without them 😅 )
While Men’s Day may not be as widely recognized and commercialized as Women’s Day, it serves as a significant occasion to celebrate them. This day presents an ideal opportunity for businesses to implement diverse and impactful campaigns aimed at promoting a wide range of men’s products.
3. First Day of Spring, March 20
Target audience: your sun-deprived customers 😀
If you have seasonal products in your portfolio, then there is no better time than now to draw attention to them through discounts, awareness campaigns, or loyalty programs.
E-commerce dates and holidays in Q2
As the weather gets warmer in the second quarter of the year, we spend more time outdoors, making travel, festival, and wedding plans.
April
April, the National Decorating Month, is the perfect opportunity to showcase your home and living products. During this period, customers are enthusiastic about revitalizing their living spaces, eager to add vibrancy and warmth to their homes following the extended and gloomy winter season.
1. April Fool’s Day, April 1
Target audience: your current and potential customers ( add also a little prank for friends and family 😀 )
April 1 is the day when some of us laugh and some of us get frustrated.
Commonly known for pranks and hoaxes, it offers a unique opportunity to engage with your audience in a more casual and light-hearted manner. Seize this moment not only to show that you, as a brand, have a sense of humor but also to generate excitement around your products.
Explore the option of creating amusing and captivating content, whether it be pranks, memes, GIFs, or short videos. Share these creations on your social media platforms to enhance engagement and provide your audience with a good laugh.
2. National Pet Day, April 11
Target audience: animal lovers and animal owners
While resembling Love Your Pet Day, National Pet Day places a greater emphasis on promoting organizations dedicated to aiding animals in distress. Use this day as a chance to engage with your customer base. Showcase the furry companions associated with your brand, express your sentiments on the significance of this day, and consider promoting pet-themed product designs for your clientele who adore animals.
3. Earth Day, April 22
Target audience: people who support environmental protection
April 22 marks the anniversary of the environmental movement founded in 1970. On this day, countries around the world hold events to support environmental protection.
If this cause resonates with you and aligns with your business, inform your customers. Share your reflections, a personal narrative, unveil a product endorsing the movement, or initiate a charitable campaign to amplify awareness and support.
4. World Book Day, April 23
Target audience: readers, book lovers
Books. When it comes to books, there are sooo many ways you can engage your customers. Create polls, quotes, and lists, and ask your audience what they’d like to share. Discounts, more books as gifts, and contests will be greatly appreciated by your customers. We don’t think there is an avid reader in the world who would say “no” to books.
And because Orthodox Easter is approaching, April should find you with homework done and Easter campaigns prepared.
- Plan out your marketing & content strategy.
- Set goals and establish the budget.
- Set KPIs to measure success.
- Prepare promotions and materials for all your communication channels.
May (Mental Health Awareness Month)
1. Labor Day, May 1
Target audience: all clients and potential clients, depending on the specifics of the business
May Day, also known as Labor Day or International Workers’ Day, is a public holiday celebrated on May 1st every year. It is a holiday that is recognized in many countries around the world
It’s a good time for travel, and business owners can easily increase sales before and during the holiday. So, if you are already on Airbnb or Booking preparing your next trip, you definitely know what to do 😀
But this day is not only about travelers but also about preparing for summer. So, you know what you have to do: prepare your strategy for the summer.
2. Easter (Holy Week), May 5
Target audience: customers and potential customers
By now, we suppose that all your communication revolved around the message ”Get ready for Easter,” right?
Well, that does not mean that your communication with your customers should stop. You can organize Easter-related contests on social media, share DIY projects, and create interactive quizzes, polls, or games.
Which events are you adding to your marketing calendar?
Using holidays or significant events presents an opportunity to increase brand visibility and boost sales, so make the most of it. And don’t forget to prepare in advance.
Once your holiday marketing calendar is filled, commence devising a strategic plan for the relevant events and dates associated with your brand. The timing, a touch of creativity, and personalization significantly contribute to creating connections with your customers.
Did we miss something? Drop us a line at hello@digitalkitchen.ro! 😁