Holiday Shopping Trends for 2024: When to Start and What to Buy

The holiday season is fast approaching, and consumers are already buzzing about the latest holiday shopping trends. For eCommerce brands, understanding these trends and preparing early is crucial to capitalizing on the season's sales surge. This year, trends show that shoppers are starting earlier than ever, driven by the desire to avoid last-minute stress and get the best deals. Here’s a deep dive into the trends defining holiday shopping in 2024 and the best time to start planning your holiday shopping strategy.

Early Shopping Starts Even Earlier in 2024
As shoppers become more strategic, the traditional Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates no longer mark the start of holiday shopping. Many retailers are launching deals as early as October, and data shows that around 30% of shoppers now start their holiday shopping before Halloween. The primary driver for this early start? Avoiding out-of-stock items and inflation concerns that could affect prices closer to December. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target have already rolled out early holiday promotions, and other stores are following suit to capture consumer attention.

Why Early Shopping Is Popular
Inflation and Budget Management: Shoppers are spreading their holiday purchases over several months to avoid financial strain.

Increased Online Sales: The convenience of online shopping allows consumers to browse and buy at any time, making it easier to jump on early deals.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): As trends change quickly, shoppers worry that waiting too long will mean missing out on popular items, especially with the unpredictability of supply chain issues.


When to Start Your Holiday Shopping
The key to successful holiday shopping in 2024 is to start early. Here’s a suggested timeline to help you find the best deals and avoid any supply chain disruptions.

October: Great time to start for tech items, larger purchases, and high-demand gifts. Many retailers launch their early sales in October, so this is a prime month for snagging deals on big-ticket items like electronics, appliances, and smart home devices.

Early November: November is ideal for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. During the first two weeks, focus on apparel, beauty products, and home decor, as retailers tend to offer strong discounts in these categories.

Mid to Late November: This period is ideal for smaller gift items and stocking stuffers. Also, November’s second half sees many gift card promotions, which are perfect for those hard-to-shop-for friends and family.

Early December: December is often a time for final purchases and last-minute gift needs. Free shipping day usually falls around mid-December, a great opportunity for those who still need to wrap up their shopping.

Top Holiday Shopping Tips for 2024
To make the most of the holiday season, here are some key tips for savvy shopping:

Set a Budget: Avoid impulse buying by setting a clear budget and sticking to it. A spending plan will help you make the best purchasing decisions without overextending your finances.

Look for Bundles and Multi-Item Discounts: Many retailers offer bundling options that allow you to buy multiple items at a reduced price, especially in categories like beauty, tech, and home goods.

Check Shipping Deadlines: Every year, the last-minute rush can lead to delays. Knowing the cut-off dates for standard and express shipping will ensure you don’t miss out on getting gifts on time.

Sign Up for Loyalty Programs and Email Newsletters: Retailers often release exclusive discounts to their subscribers. Signing up for email newsletters or loyalty programs can give you a head start on sales.