Did you know that holiday retail sales in the United States are expected to surpass $1 trillion in 2024? As a small local business, staying informed about the latest holiday shopping trends is crucial for success. In this blog post, we’ll explore 7 holiday shopping trends for 2024 that will help you prepare your marketing strategies and meet your customers’ evolving needs.

Trend 1: Customers are Looking for Good Deals

With rising prices and economic pressures, holiday shoppers are more focused on price than ever. In fact, 66% of U.S. consumers say better prices and deals are their top priority for holiday shopping. This shift toward saving means brands should spotlight discounts and value-driven promotions early in the season. Even a seemingly small difference of five or ten percent in the discount rate can have a substantial impact on consumer decision-making. Customers are increasingly willing to invest time in researching and comparing prices across different retailers to ensure they are getting the best possible value for their money.

Tip: Leverage SEO or PPC ads to rank higher than competitors on search engines.

Trend 2: Omnichannel Shopping is Crucial

76% of U.S. consumers use three or more media channels when holiday shopping. To stand out, brands need to use strategies across different channels that keep consumers engaged throughout the day, from browsing on their phones in the morning to checking out deals on TV at night.

Consider the consumer experience when planning your strategy. Most people check their phones first thing in the morning, right? Whether they’re reading emails in bed or scrolling through social media on their commute, this is the perfect time to reach them on their mobile devices.

During the day, laptops are a good focus since most people use them for work. And finally, at night, you can target them again—either with a TV commercial or through social media while they’re unwinding and doomscrolling.

Trend 3: Instant Gratification with Same-Day Delivery

IIn today’s fast-paced world, consumers are prioritizing immediacy more than ever. The growing expectation for fast shipping and delivery options, particularly same-day delivery, is becoming a key differentiator for businesses. To stay competitive, retailers should explore partnerships with local delivery services or implement their own delivery systems to meet the demand for instant gratification. By offering same-day delivery, businesses can provide the convenience and speed that customers crave, ultimately enhancing their shopping experience and fostering loyalty.

Budget-friendly same-day delivery services for small businesses:

• Roadie
• Uber Direct

Trend 4: E-Commerce Sites are Still Dominating

There will be 273 million ecommerce shoppers in the U.S. by 2025. Which means, selling online is more important than ever. If your website or app isn’t performing at its best, you could be missing out on valuable sales. Creating an effective eCommerce site goes beyond just listing products. Your site should include key elements to drive conversions and enhance the customer experience, such as:

• Customer reviews and testimonials
• Personalized product recommendations
• Mobile-friendly design
• Promotions and special offers
• Intuitive and user-friendly navigation

Elevate your holiday sales with a website that captivates customers—discover how our tailored web design services can make your seasonal promotions stand out.

Trend 5: Personalized Marketing Campaigns

During the holiday season, 50% of shoppers are also buying for themselves. Small businesses can harness the power of personalized email marketing to create tailored shopping experiences. By segmenting their email lists based on customer behavior and preferences, businesses can send targeted promotions and product recommendations that resonate with individual shoppers. This approach not only increases engagement but also drives conversions, making it an essential strategy for maximizing holiday sales. Highlighting unique offers, local products, or personalized messages can help small businesses stand out in crowded inboxes during the holiday shopping season.

Trend 6: Gen-Z Prefers to Shop In-Store

A recent ICSC study shows that Gen Z and Boomers are leading generations when it comes to in-store shopping, contrary to assumptions about Gen Z’s preference for digital. Many Gen Z shoppers value the ability to see, feel, and try products, driving them to physical stores almost as often as Boomers. This trend presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to build trust with consumers.

Trend 7: Loyalty Programs Will Always Be Important

If you’re unsure about the importance of customer retention, consider research by Frederick Reichheld of Bain & Company. His findings show that a mere 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a profit boost of 25% to 95%.

Consumers want to feel valued and prefer to shop with companies they trust. To stand out from the competition, you need a reason for them to keep coming back. A loyalty program can help with that! The holiday season is a perfect time to appreciate your loyal customers and attract new ones. Here are some ways to incorporate this into your holiday marketing:

• Email Marketing Campaigns: Send targeted holiday emails to loyalty members featuring exclusive offers and promotions.
• Social Media Promotions: Create engaging posts and ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to highlight loyalty benefits and seasonal deals.
• Content Marketing: Develop blog posts or videos that discuss holiday shopping tips and how loyalty programs can benefit customers.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize website content to attract holiday shoppers searching for loyalty rewards and promotions.
• Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC): Run targeted ads that promote your loyalty program and holiday discounts to reach a broader audience.

By staying ahead of these holiday shopping trends, your small business can create effective strategies that not only attract customers but also build lasting relationships. Ready to elevate your holiday marketing? Check out our services at La Mendola Marketing and let’s make this season your best yet!