If you are asking yourself when do people start Christmas shopping, you aren’t alone. During the holiday season, many people are excited to get out and do some Christmas shopping and purchase gifts. But, if you are looking to start shopping, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, you should know the dates for Black Friday, so you can plan ahead and have your shopping done in time. And, if you are interested in creating your own DIY gifts, there are a number of different things you can do.
Black Friday
The term “Black Friday” has become a marketing phenomenon in recent years. Many people take this day off work and use it to jump start their holiday shopping. However, many retailers are losing money in this period of time.
For this reason, retailers are putting out deals early. Some stores begin to offer sales on Thanksgiving morning. These specials include price promotions and extended credit terms.
Black Friday is an opportunity to get some fantastic discounts on a variety of products, including home furnishings, apparel, electronics, and toys. In recent years, more people are embracing the concept of online shopping.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts that consumer spending will grow between 6 and 8 percent between now and 2021. This includes a 6.6 percent increase in in-store sales, as well as an 8.5 percent increase in eCommerce sales.
According to the NRF, 56% of shoppers started their holiday shopping in the first week of November. Several surveys have shown that 45% of these shoppers prefer to start their shopping early.
Many retailers are opening their doors earlier than usual to draw crowds. Some stores even open their doors at 5 a.m. They also offer special deals to those who arrive before the store officially opens.
During this time, there are special promotions that include discount rates on the latest electronics. Other stores offer doorbuster items that are only available for a limited time.
People are looking to buy gifts for their loved ones. In addition, many are re-evaluating their annual food expenditures. With the increase in inflation, people are considering spending less on their holiday food.
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September
If you’re in the market for holiday gifts, you may be wondering when to start your shopping. While the season is usually from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, many shoppers are choosing to shop sooner.
Buying early allows you to avoid crowds, save money, and reduce impulse purchases. Purchasing early can also help you find the best deals on your desired gifts.
Historically, the holiday shopping season has begun in November. However, retailers have been leaning in early to meet the demand for holiday products. In fact, this year, some retailers are beginning to roll out their Christmas items as early as September.
Retailers are also adjusting their promotional schedules to fit the needs of consumers. Promotions are especially important this year, due to rising prices. A recent survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics found that 58% of shoppers say that promotions are more important than last year.
In addition to promotions, shoppers will look for other sales. Many retailers are offering discounts on older models of products during October. These promotions, which are expected to continue through the end of the year, give shoppers the opportunity to stretch their budgets over a longer period of time.
For example, Walmart will begin its annual holiday sales on October 1. Target and Lowe’s will have Christmas trees up in their stores as early as August.
Another reason for retailers to jumpstart their marketing efforts is to avoid last year’s product shortages. Last year, the pandemic disrupted supply chains. This year, however, supply chains have been stabilized.
Having a clearer idea of how much you’re willing to spend on each person can help you stick within your budget. During the holiday season, some stores make up to half of their sales.
January
It’s never too early to begin your Christmas shopping. Many retailers have already begun their holiday marketing campaigns, and some are now preparing for a late-year sales push. If you want to save money, start planning early.
A recent survey conducted by RetailMeNot revealed that more than half of U.S. consumers intend to begin their Christmas shopping earlier than usual this year. And that number will continue to grow.
More than a third of shoppers say they’ll start their holiday shopping in July, and the same percentage plan to do so in September. One survey also showed that a large number of families will start their holiday shopping in October.
According to retailers, they expect the trend to continue. Despite the fact that the holiday season is only a month-long period, many shoppers are looking to get their shopping done early.
Many retailers offer deep discounts on winter apparel and items that are going out of stock. This is because they want to make room for spring merchandise. They also want to clear their warehouses.
Some companies even begin their Christmas marketing campaigns in August. While these early efforts don’t necessarily lead to more sales, they’re a great way to leave a positive impression on families that are doing early holiday shopping.
In the United States, Black Friday traditionally falls on Thanksgiving day. But retailers have started to expand it into a monthlong event. That’s why it’s often called a “shopping holiday.”
Another event that’s growing in popularity is “Blue Monday.” The first Monday after the holiday, this is when manufacturers take their new products and sell them at a discount.
Supply disruptions threaten to delay
As retailers gear up for the Christmas shopping season, supply disruptions are beginning to delay deliveries of popular items. While some of the effects of supply chain disruptions may be temporary, others may have longer-term effects.
The holiday season is expected to bring in $1.3 trillion in sales. Although retail companies are ramping up inventories to keep up with demand, there are still many items on shoppers’ lists that will be difficult to find.
Supply chain issues are a common occurrence during the holidays. From toilet paper to chicken wings, supply issues have affected a number of products. Despite these problems, many people are optimistic about the upcoming shopping season.
A third of small businesses say that the supply chain challenges they are currently experiencing will last more than a year. Moreover, nearly half of those surveyed said that disruptions make it difficult to meet customer demands.
One example of supply chain disruption is the COVID-19 pandemic. During the outbreak, factories closed and workers became ill. It also snarled the global supply chain.
Other issues include shortages of warehouse workers. This year, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union agreed to work overtime. That increased shipping time and costs.
In addition to labor and shipping, there are higher prices for materials. Because of the high price of commodities, companies may not be able to afford big discounts on popular items.
Some companies are retooling their products to address the supply chain problem. Others are racing to get their products to market. And some companies are deciding which customers will get orders as their stocks run low.
Whether the impacts of supply chain disruptions are short-term or long-term, business leaders should consider building resilience against the next disruption. They should simulate disruptions to assess how their supply chains can react.
DIY christmas gifts
One of the best ways to show someone how much you care is with a homemade gift. Whether you’re a pro or a novice crafter, there are plenty of options out there. These gifts are not only inexpensive but also personal. From ornaments to kitchenware, you’re sure to find something that fits the style of your loved one.
Image by unicorn_owner from Pixabay
Homemade Christmas gifts are a great way to put a smile on your recipient’s face. In addition to being a great way to show your appreciation, they’re also a fun activity. The best part is that you can make them for yourself as well as for others.
There are many DIY Christmas gift ideas you can try. One of the most exciting are ornaments. You can use a variety of materials to create ornaments, from embroidery hoops to craft wire. Be sure to choose quality materials, though. Using low-quality products may result in a less-than-stellar outcome.
A nifty-looking mug is surprisingly easy to make. You can pair it with a clever brewing accessory. For the most part, you can use a plain jane glass mug and customize it in some way.
Another nifty-looking mug is a color-etched mug. To do this, you’ll need to find a high-quality mug, preferably a glass one. Color etched mugs can be a nice touch for a hostess.
This is a small craft, but it does the job. It’s a little less than a minute to make. If you have some scrap wood on hand, you can make a great present for a friend.
The best part about making DIY gifts is that you can tailor them to your friends and family. Whether you’re looking for the perfect last-minute gift or something to put on your own Christmas wish list, there’s something here to suit you.
