When Consumers Will Start Planning for the Holiday Shopping Season
This year, many consumers plan to get an early start on their holiday shopping. In fact, a significant portion have ALREADY kicked their planning into high gear.
When Consumers Plan to Start Thinking About Holiday Season Shopping This Year
July or earlier
12%
August
13%
September
23%
October
32%
November
18%
December
2%
Is This Before or After They Typically Start Thinking About Holiday Season Shopping?
Before
35%
After
7%
The same as usual
58%
Power Pro Tip
Consumers are consistent! Most will start planning for the holiday shopping season at the same time they usually do.
Generations: Portion of Consumers Who Plan to Start Thinking About Holiday Shopping EARLIER Than Usual
Gen Z
43%
Millennials
37%
Gen X
32%
Boomers
30%
Gender: Portion of Consumers Who Plan to Start Thinking About Holiday Shopping EARLIER Than Usual
Men
31%
Women
36%
How Early is Too Early?
Many stores and websites start showcasing their holiday merchandise early. And many consumers are just fine with that approach.
How Early is Too Early For Stores and Websites to Showcase Holiday Items?
September 1-14
30%
September 15-3
11%
October 1-14
7%
October 15-31
16%
November 1-14
3%
November 15-30
1%
None of these dates are too early
32%
Power Pro Tip
Nearly a third of consumers say it’s never too early to showcase holiday items. Those with higher holiday spending budgets are more likely to feel this way.
Gender: Portion of Consumers Who Say It’s Never Too Early to Showcase Holiday Items Online and In-Store
Men
25%
Women
33%
Consumers Plan to Get an Early Start on Their Holiday Shopping Plans
Black Friday is still a major shopping day. But the reality is, most consumers start to plan their holiday shopping much earlier.
Now is the time to finalize your holiday strategy and ensure your website and brick-and-mortar stores are holiday-ready. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on the large portion of shoppers getting an early start.
This research is taken from 2023 Holiday Shopping Trends, a survey of 18,906 US consumers during August 2023.
Check out the survey hub for further insights.
Check out the survey hub for further insights.
