11 March 2024

Get ready for a whole new way to celebrate the holidays!

By Ronald Smith

This year, I’m seeing a big change in how we approach holiday shopping. Instead of just buying gifts for others, people are treating themselves too! It’s called self-gifting, and it’s becoming super popular.

When I think about it, it makes a lot of sense. We work hard all year long, so why not treat ourselves to something special during the holidays? Whether it’s a new gadget, a cozy sweater, or a fancy box of chocolates, self-gifting is a great way to reward ourselves for all our efforts.

But self-gifting isn’t the only trend I’ve noticed. People are also showing a lot of support for small businesses. Instead of heading straight to big chain stores, they’re looking for unique and handmade items from local shops.

And I totally get it. When you buy from a small business, you’re not only getting a one-of-a-kind item, but you’re also supporting someone’s dream. You’re helping them make a living doing what they love.

So, this holiday season, I encourage you to embrace the joy of self-gifting and show some love to small businesses. It’s time to treat yourself and others in a whole new way!

Get ready for a whole new way to celebrate the holidays!

I’ve got some exciting news about how people are shopping during the Black Friday-Cyber Monday weekend. It turns out that things are changing a bit! Americans are not only buying gifts for others, but they are also treating themselves to some goodies. Isn’t that cool? According to a recent survey, 64% of people are planning to buy things for themselves, while 13% are exclusively focusing on self-gifting.

This new trend means that the usual holiday shopping story is evolving. Instead of just looking for presents for others, people are taking advantage of the sales to treat themselves as well. They’re going for both fancy items and everyday essentials when it comes to self-gifting.

How does this impact small businesses and merchants?

    When it comes to holiday shopping, I’ve noticed some interesting trends that businesses can take advantage of. One opportunity is the rise of self-gifting. This means people are treating themselves to presents while also buying gifts for others. As a business, you can tap into this by promoting self-gifting alongside traditional gift-giving. By doing so, you’ll attract a wider range of customers. Take Hushed Commotion, for example. This wedding accessories business sees a big boost in November sales thanks to Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts. Brides take advantage of these deals to buy items for their big day.

    Another trend to pay attention to is the enthusiasm for Small Business Saturday. More and more shoppers are choosing to support small businesses during this time. In fact, 36% of consumers plan to buy from small businesses on Small Business Saturday. This emphasizes the importance for small businesses to share their stories and connect with customers on a personal level.

    Now, let’s talk about Gen Z’s shopping preferences.

    The survey shows that us Gen Z shoppers (ages 18-29) really appreciate shopping in person. It’s different for the older folks, though. But hey, we’re also super into shopping on social media. We love having options, you know? And when it comes to what we like to buy, we definitely have some favorites like food and drink, and clothes and accessories!

    Oh, and guess what? Cyber Monday is becoming more popular than Black Friday! 61% of us are planning to buy stuff on that day, while only 41% are into Black Friday. So merchants should focus on giving us amazing deals on Cyber Monday, and they can use all the excitement from Black Friday to keep the energy going!

    Now, let’s talk about some of the trendiest products in October, shall we?

    Get ready for a shopping season like no other!

    I have some exciting news for you! This holiday season is going to be a mix of all sorts of shopping experiences. People are not only buying gifts for others but also treating themselves. They are also showing their support for small businesses. And here’s the twist – people are shopping both online and in-person.

    So, what does this mean for you? Well, as a merchant, you have a chance to make the most of these trends. You need to diversify your marketing strategies and make sure you meet the different needs of your customers. It’s time to think outside the box and adapt to this new way of doing business.

    But wait, there’s more! This exciting shift in consumer behavior brings both challenges and opportunities for businesses like yours. As we gear up for the busiest time of the year, you have a chance to stand out and thrive. So, get ready to embrace the diversity and make this holiday season a success.