Despite the ups and downs of the economy as of late, retailers expect holiday sales to increase this year. According to the national Retail Federation, sales are expected to increase 2.3% over last year, which is te biggest year-over-year gain in four years.
The Trends
If you’ve noticed, the holiday season has changed over the last few years. While Black Friday is still as popular as ever, retailers are expanding the larger sales throughout the holiday season. There are fewer amazing deals on things like electronics, and toys are more heavily discounted the first half of December.
Online sales, too, are on the rise. With coupon codes abound and free shipping, retailers are better able to reach shoppers who don’t have the time or inclination to fight the holiday crowds in stores.
Other trends include mobile applications that help shoppers find good deals. There are Black Friday apps abound, each boasting to help the user save hundreds on Black Friday. Others use geolocation to help shoppers save where they are. Whrrl recently announced its Holiday Deals society, where shoppers can share the deals they’re finding. Check in near one of those deals, and it’ll pop up on your app. Users can also win prizes from participating retailers. It’s another smart way for brands to engage with their customers over the holidays.
What about you? What are you doing to draw in crowds to your store or online site? Are you using targeted emails to let subscribers know about your promotions? What about Twitter and Facebook? Put them all together and you’ve got a great holiday sales strategy.