Amazon seller events are about to start! It should be no surprise that the holidays are some of the most popular times for eCommerce businesses. These are huge selling opportunities for online businesses of all sizes.
Each holiday sees these shopping surges:
- Thanksgiving – 8.4%
- Black Friday – 6.9%
- Christmas – 6.5%
And don’t think these are the only holiday selling events. There are numerous big dates throughout Q4 and Q1 that businesses must prepare for.
Since these big Amazon seller events are around the corner, eCommerce businesses must prepare as early as possible.
Amazon Seller Events in November 2023
November starts off the major holiday season. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday are pivotal dates, there are other major shopping days this month.
Thanksgiving – November 23
Traditionally, the holiday selling events start on Black Friday. But buyers are itching for the best Black Friday deals–so much so that shoppers spent record amounts on Thanksgiving in 2022.
These shoppers are willing to give up Thanksgiving Day celebrations to be the first to buy products at the best price.
Black Friday – November 24
Black Friday has always been the biggest day in retail, and that hasn’t changed. If anything, online shopping made Black Friday sales become more popular. In 2022, Black Friday sales hit record highs, and 2023 should also be promising.
You should empower your Black Friday strategy with major discounts and unique offers. Always ensure you have enough stock well before Black Friday. Also, prepare your promotions to get your buyers ready for the shopping season.
Black Friday has evolved since online shopping dominated brick-and-mortar sales. Now, many stores prepare for “Black Friday weekend,” comprising numerous sales events for several days after Black Friday. This includes two other pivotal shopping days: Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
Small Business Saturday – November 25
Small Business Saturday has been among the best Amazon seller events since its inception in 2010. The goal is to support startups, local shops, and small businesses during the holidays.
While many people celebrate Small Business Saturday by supporting their local brick-and-mortar businesses, this holiday also applies to online selling events–and one you should add to your Amazon holiday calendar.
Small online businesses have many advantages over big companies, especially if you attract Amazon shoppers. Most offer perks such as free and fast Amazon shipping–especially if they use FBA.
To compete against bigger retailers, small sellers must create an amazing customer experience and offer high-quality products.
Cyber Monday – November 27
While Black Friday was always seen as the major shopping event, Cyber Monday sales emerged as an online-only selling strategy for eCommerce companies.
Every year, consumers spend $11.3 billion on Cyber Monday, making this one of the best Amazon seller events for online sellers. However, many online stores are confused about how to handle Black Friday and Cyber Monday events.
The best action is to combine your Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals or keep them going the entire weekend.
Still, some stores may prefer setting up the best Cyber Monday deals only available on this day. Others may offer Cyber Monday deals to all customers, but repeat customers can access those same sales on Black Friday.
Amazon Seller Events in December 2023
December is another essential month for eCommerce. There are three major holidays in this month, meaning retailers can attract consumers from all cultural backgrounds and from all over the world.
This also means that businesses should plan numerous strategies, such as inventory management and advertising, in addition to the coupons and discounts you will give.
Hanukkah – December 7-15
Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday celebrated by those who follow the Jewish faith. The holiday is marked by the successive kindling of eight lights and also includes special prayers, a feast, singing songs, playing dreidel, and last but not least, exchanging gifts!
Even though only 2.5% of Americans are Jewish, Hanukkah selling events have wider margins. That’s because more stores offer products and deals to Hanukkah shoppers. Businesses should focus more on inclusivity rather than using this as a selling strategy, however.
So, how do you blur the line between supplying demand and staying inclusive? Offer week-long deals and engage with consumers during this time, such as by saying “Happy Holidays” or “Happy Hanukkah.”
You can also tailor your advertising to Hanukkah, offering special deals to those who celebrate.
Christmas Eve – December 24
While most people usually buy gifts before Christmas Eve, you may get some last-minute orders. That’s why your store should add Christmas Eve to your FBA holiday calendar and offer great last-minute deals.
Since these orders usually shop for late gifts, offer free one-day shipping. This will be easier to achieve if you use FBA or offer Prime benefits to members.
Christmas Day – December 25
While some people may shop on Christmas Day, most of your last-minute sales will happen on Christmas Eve. Instead, the Christmas Day shoppers you attract may be spending their Amazon gift cards.
That’s why you should extend your holiday discounts and free expedited shipping to these consumers.
Your business should also prepare for more customer service interactions–especially inquiries about returns and exchanges. Engage with customers, especially over email and social media, and make the return process seamless.
Kwanzaa – December 26 – January 1
Selling after Christmas is still effective, and Kwanzaa proves this. Kwanzaa is an African holiday that celebrates tradition and culture. Even though this isn’t a religious or spiritual holiday, it’s still a family-centered celebration.
Gift-giving is still a core part of this celebration, and businesses should prepare to drive sales this week.
To increase brand awareness and gain new customers, hold Kwanzaa sales and use this celebration in your advertising.
New Year’s Eve – December 31
Not only will your consumers buy decorations and other items for the perfect New Year’s Eve party, but numerous people are setting New Year’s resolutions. They will need the right products to fulfill their goals.
In addition, some people give gifts on New Year’s. Open your inventory up to different products to attract different consumers.
Amazon Seller Events in Q1 2024
Your holiday selling calendar doesn’t end in December. Q1 offers many peak holiday shopping events, and your business should be prepared for more holiday selling requirements during the beginning of the year.
New Year’s Day – January 1
Expanding from the New Year’s resolutions on New Year’s Eve, your consumers will take shopping seriously at the beginning of the year.
Whether they’re shopping for new gym clothes, health supplements, or more books, everyone has different goals and will shop for various products. So, market and advertise your products in accordance with New Year’s Day and how your items will accomplish their goals.
This is also the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your brand, hosting new product launches to increase brand awareness while retargeting existing customers.
Martin Luther King Day – January 15
This day celebrates the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. (often abbreviated as MLK) and is an important day for Americans. It’s essential to show your inclusivity–not just in your marketing campaign but in how you conduct business daily.
Black History Month – February
Throughout the month of February, people celebrate Black History Month. While the celebration began in the U.S., Black History Month is popular in Canada and the U.K. As with MLK Day, show your customers you support equality all year–not specific to the month of February.
Superbowl – February 11
All NFL fans in the U.S. are tuning into the Superbowl. Many businesses don’t take advantage of this season, especially if they don’t sell football or sports-related items.
There’s still a lot you can do to celebrate, such as offering discounts and using related hashtags in your social media marketing to increase brand awareness.
Note, however, that the term “Superbowl” is trademarked.So, use vague terms such as “game day” to be safe.
Valentine’s Day – February 14
Valentine’s Day is arguably the biggest sales event in Q1. Stores selling jewelry, apparel, and beauty will see the most traffic. And while many people will shop for their partners and loved ones, others may choose to spoil themselves.
Other events, such as Galentine’s Day, also spawned as an alternative to the “love” aspect of the holiday. Be sure to run your promotions early, specifically at the beginning of the month, since most buyers will purchase their gifts beforehand.
March Madness – March 19 – April 8
March Madness is an important season for college basketball fans. Since it’s so anticipated, online sellers have a huge opportunity here. Give back to colleges during this time, run month-long promotions, and host a giveaway.
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day celebrates Irish heritage. While people will be buying anything green and with shamrocks, there are enough festivals and parades to where any business can profit on this day.
Create a marketing campaign that centers around St. Patty’s Day. That said, always stay respectful of Irish heritage.
Holiday Selling Strategies to Amp Up Your Game
Ecommerce companies are busy during Q1 and Q4, and it’s essential to plan your holiday strategies in advance. Here are strategies to add to your Amazon marketing calendar.
Stock up on inventory
The holidays are the perfect time to stock up on popular items while introducing new products. Regardless of your strategy, stock up on inventory in advance and create an effective inventory management system.
It’s also worth it to liquidate any dead stock clogging up your warehouse and replace them with profitable products.
Update Amazon listings
Re-optimize your Amazon product listings with new images and keywords. Ideally, you’ll want your product descriptions and media to represent holiday themes.
Don’t focus too much on the religious and cultural aspects. Instead, tailor these listings to suggest gift ideas. All of this will improve your SEO.
Create holiday-specific Amazon ads
Now is the perfect time to invest heavily in Amazon advertising. It’s easy to get started with an Amazon PPC strategy and this will help your brand stand out from competitors.
When creating Amazon PPC ads, take advantage of the season by optimizing your ads for holiday-specific keywords, changing the imagery, and the sales you’ll be offering.
Mark These Amazon Seller Events in Your Calendar
With the holidays approaching, your business should be prepared for all the Q1 and Q4 selling events.
From Black Friday deals to St. Patrick’s Day marketing campaigns, there are many opportunities for your business to increase brand awareness, retarget existing customers, and gain profits.
But without the right strategy, these major selling opportunities may result in negative consequences. We can ensure you convert leads and increase sales during this busy time of the year.We offer services for new brands and experienced eCommerce companies that want to take their business to the next level. Schedule a call to learn more about our services.
