If you haven’t started thinking about the 2010 holiday season, now is the time. The economy is still shaky, customers remain fickle, and if you’re not prepared you could miss out on the most important shopping season of the year.
Thanks to technological advances, we now have more information at our disposal than ever. Unfortunately, we may not pay attention to important indicators that can help us.
Take the last two years for example. If you weathered those shopping seasons you’re probably in a good position to deal with the 2010 holiday season. If you haven’t, pay attention to what has and hasn’t worked for other retailers because the information will likely serve you well. Shoppers will once again be looking for bargains and how you market yourself will make a difference.
Big Retailers Get a Jump on Christmas
Earlier this month, Los Angeles Times reported that a number of brand-name retailers are offering Christmas in July sales. For decades, these faux holiday promotions have sparked sales in an otherwise uninspiring retail season. After all, there are no holidays between the Fourth of July and Labor Day and even those holidays are more about barbeques than shopping. Sure, there are back-to-school sales during the summer months but Christmas in July sales aren’t about school supplies.
This year, some retailers are attempting to extend the holiday shopping season by offering early discounts. For example, Sears is already selling Christmas ornaments, Christmas collectibles, and Christmas outdoor décor.
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