Christmas In October? Retailers Say ‘Yes’
Forbes | October 23, 2020
Amazon's Prime Day 2020 kicked up an early holiday digital shopping frenzy on the site earlier this month. Other retailers hoped to benefit directly and indirectly from the commotion too. According to a recent report by Digital Commerce 360, an estimated 24% of e-commerce sites at the largest North American online retailers got in on the hype by using holiday-themed messages in tandem with Prime Day.
More than just a few merchants and shoppers have decided to start their shopping early. 39% of shoppers plan to start their holiday shopping by the end of October, up from 27% last fall. It is anticipated that more of us plan to stay close to home and ship out our holiday cheer far and wide this year.
Here's a recap of how a few of the top 100 online retailers kicked off "Christmas in October" this month, according to Digital Commerce 360:
Best Buy (#10)—The electronics retailer offered shoppers a gift ideas section that provided them with date reminders for Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa as well as recipient categories. Shoppers could also sort ideas by price range or interest, including stocking stuffers.
Macy's (#14)—Macy's provided online shoppers with its holiday gift guide, allowing shoppers to browse according to price, recipient, or idea. In a nod to the possible changes in travel plans related to COVID-19, Macy's also offered board games, table decor, and matching holiday pajamas for the whole family.
The Walt Disney Company (#89) Last but not least, the famous maker of magic holds it's limited-time "Early holidays: Shop early, save big" promotion. With it's homepage encouraging "Get a holly jolly head start to the season" and "Make your home merry & bright."