Traditional Holiday Shopping Season Changes In The New Normal World

In 2020, the holiday season is unlike any other we’ve been through. The traditional Christmas festivities may be confined to eating, drinking and singing indoors  with just the family members. It is unlikely that we may see the frenzy Black Friday deals or the last minute Christmas gift purchase excitement.

However, this is the time of year when retailers come out with holiday promotions and prepare for what is likely to be an unprecedented holiday season. Here ares oem innovative ideas that will help you tweak the traditional holiday season sales, gift giving experience and corporate parties How will the pandemic affect what has traditionally been retailers’ busiest time of year?

How the holiday dollars will be spent

Money spent on huge gatherings, parties, holiday travel and shopping may go towards gift-giving. However gifts like concert and event tickets, restaurant gift cards, and massage certificates may not be popular choices, mailer gifts and personal care items are likely to be the top gift categories this year.

Holiday shopping season starts early

By shopping early, the gift givers can avoid the peak times, avoid crowds and above all make sure that all the items on their lists are available at a time when supply chains are compromised and inventory is low. Product delivery may take longer than normal because of the increase in holiday shopping. Shoppers may start their shopping early to avoid  shipping delays and out of stock risks.

Business gifts

Businesses planning to hand out custom gifts for their clients and customers may opt for gift cards and discount coupons instead of hosting parties and dinners to thank their prospects and make them feel valued. The demand for branded corporate gifts is likely to hit an all time high as it is the best way to spread cheer and reach out to the audience when personal interactions are impossible.

 Retail shopping trends too change

In the new normal world, nothing has remained the same, not even the retail holiday season.

No more Black Friday lines: With many large retailers like Target, Macy’s and  Foot Locker among others have  announced that their stores will remain closed on Black Friday, it is confirmed that the 2020 retail season won’t see the Black Friday frenzy

Shop online, pick up in-store: Shopping online is safe and easy as it allows  the shoppers to shop at their pace without the risk of getting exposed to germs. Once they have shopped their holiday gifts, they can choose to collect it from the stores to avoid transit delay.

Festive banners and festoons may also have  social distancing  messages– All those decorative banners , flags and floor decals  may look merry and colorful but will still remind the shoppers of the social distancing policies in place.

Outdoor Pop-up sales:  It is likely that we may see more pop-up shops all across the cities where weather permits as outdoor shopping is safer than closed interiors.

Sanitization is the buzz word. Personal care and hand hygiene has become the buzz word in the post pandemic world. It is the best way to safeguard the health of staff and shoppers. Retailers may set up more sanitation stations and signage throughout stores, especially in the payout counters to ensure a safe shopping experience

How the holiday retail season going to be for you? Share your ideas with us on our instagram page to join an interesting conversation