Is your business ready for this holiday season?
The pandemic has caused many uncertainties, including this year’s holiday shopping turnout. With restrictions in physical movement still in place, how are businesses and consumers adapting to the new normal?
Shopify and Google have reported the following trends:
A dramatic shift to online shopping
Customers are not keen on shopping at physical stores immediately. This year, they prefer to shop from the comfort of their own homes.
According to Google, about 69% of U.S. shoppers are planning to shop online this holiday season. We’ll also see more people buying online for the very first time.
When searching for products, shoppers rely on SKUs to research and compare products to make wiser decisions. This means that when they arrive at your store, they already know what to purchase.
Customers are trying out something new to them
With so many options to explore online, shoppers are trying out retailers and brands new to them.
Earlier holiday shopping
Customers are going on an earlier holiday shopping schedule to avoid crowds and stockouts. Google’s data shows that 1 in 4 shoppers have started their holiday shopping by late August of this year.
Value over price
Unlike the Black Fridays and Cyber Mondays of previous years, impulse purchases will be uncommon this year.
As customers shop earlier, they’re making use of information online to make wiser decisions. They are putting in the work to look for value, quality, and price.
Authenticity is key
Aside from great value and prices, shoppers are now more purpose-driven by supporting brands that resonate with them. These shoppers prefer brands that tell stories, care about ethical practices, and share their values.
Delivering a better customer experience
Like previous months, businesses will have their adjustments in place to anticipate disruptions in the supply chain to help customers. Some of the best practices are:
- Flexible and extended return policies
- Faster shipping for customers in core communities
- Communicating delays with customers
Wrapping Up
Improving your digital strategy is crucial now more than ever. Increase your brand’s online presence with tools like social media marketing and SEO. More importantly, invest in great UI/UX design for a customer-friendly eCommerce website.
Virtual Champs Global provides services like digital marketing and web development to help you prepare this new wave of holiday shopping. Let’s talk so we can develop an effective digital strategy and get you those holiday sales.
Talk to our consultant and get started.
