Last weekend as I was shopping at HomeGoods, I came across a few people at the checkout who were all saying the same thing: It seems like the holiday shopping season is starting earlier and earlier each year. And that is definitely the truth, even though the official start is still weeks away.
Whether I am shopping online or in-store, evidence of the holidays is everywhere. Part of me thinks it’s great because it is truly a joyous time of the year, but another part of me feels the “I have to get my gifts soon… or I will fall behind” and retailers must know that there are plenty of customers like me who feel this way.
Since before Halloween, emails have been hitting my inbox with promotions of various kinds, whether pitching free shipping or a discount on a particular item. For instance, some algorithm in Bed, Bath and Beyond’s ecommerce platform must know I want a Kitchen Aide mixer for Christmas because I got a discount promotion email about it.
In another email I received, Bed, Bath and Beyond wants to save its customers some time and headaches with holiday baking and cooking by offering 20% off various cooking and baking products.
These are just a few examples I have personally seen, and I am sure I will be seeing more as the weeks roll by.
Walmart is offering free shipping for the top 100 items through Dec. 20. Target’s promotion on unlimited free shipping started before Halloween, and just I received a promotion about it.
Overstock.com got creative by combining Halloween and Black Friday into one email marketing campaign. The subject line read, “Trick or Treat? (Hint: This is a Treat)”, and it was sent on Halloween. On opening the email, customers get a preview of the company’s Black Friday sales and deals.
When it comes to the shipping and delivery promotions, I totally get it, especially after last year’s fiasco of customers not getting their items on time due to greater-than-expected last minute ecommerce orders, maxed-out carrier network capacity and weather-related issues.
Make sure to check out all of our holiday 2014 coverage by checking out our Holiday 2014 archive!