Running an online store means staying ahead of customer shopping habits. To help you plan effectively, we’ve put together a friendly guide to all the major retail holidays, global shopping events, and industry moments that drive online demand in 2026.
JANUARY
New Year’s Day - Jan 1st
Kick off the year with “fresh start” promotions! Think fitness gear, travel essentials, home improvements, or anything tied to new year’s resolutions. Small campaigns now can set the tone for the year.
FEBRUARY
Valentine’s Day – February 14th
Love is in the air! Shoppers look online for thoughtful gifts. Stand out by offering gift wrapping, personalized notes, or special bundles for a more memorable experience.
Chinese New Year – February 17th
A major festival across Asia, driving high online shopping for gifts, food, and festive décor. Launch limited-edition products or themed promotions to catch this seasonal wave.
MARCH
International Women’s Day 2026 – March 8th
Celebrate women and spotlight women-led brands. Campaign ideas: empowerment-themed promotions, highlighting achievements, or donating a portion of sales to meaningful causes.
Mother’s Day – March 21st
A major gifting occasion in many markets, Mother’s Day drives strong demand for flowers, jewellery, beauty products, and home comforts. Shoppers often look for thoughtful gestures, so consider curated gift bundles and the ability to add personalized notes. Promotions tend to begin early – make sure your stock and fulfilment planning are ready.
Eid-al Fitr – expected late March/early April (dates vary by moon sighting)
Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid-al Fitr is a major shopping period across many markets. Consumers often buy gifts, clothing, home décor, and food for family gatherings. If you sell cross-border, be ready for increased demand – especially for fashion, fragrance, and gifting products. Thoughtful, culturally-aligned promotions can help your brand stand out.
APRIL
Easter – April 5th
Easter drives sales for gifts, décor, and confectionery. Refresh your store with spring visuals, limited-edition bundles, and early promotions for family shoppers.
Earth Day – April 22nd
Sustainability matters! Highlight eco-friendly packaging, carbon-reduced shipping, or responsibly sourced products to connect with environmentally conscious shoppers.
JUNE
World Environment Day – June 5th
Show your eco-conscious side! Promote recycled materials, greener packaging, or carbon-reduced delivery. Small efforts make a big impression.
618 Shopping Festival in China – June 18th
One of China’s biggest shopping events. Electronics, fashion, beauty, and home goods are in demand. Plan promotions, inventory, and cross-border logistics early to capture the surge.
Father’s Day – June 21st
Shoppers look for gadgets, grooming kits, and hobby gifts. Offer curated bundles, limited editions, and express delivery for last-minute buyers.
AUGUST
Summer Travel
Holidays = shopping! Focus on travel gear, seasonal apparel, and outdoor essentials. End-of-summer clearance promotions help clear space for autumn stock.
SEPTEMBER
Labor Day (US) – September 1st
End-of-summer deals on apparel, home goods, and tech. Seasonal bundles and lifestyle promotions resonate well with shoppers returning to work or school.
Mid-Autumn Festival – September 25th (date may vary)
Celebrated across many Asian markets, this Chines festival emphasizes family gatherings and gift-giving, often with mooncakes, tea, and specialty gifts. If you sell cross-border, consider creating culturally aligned product bundles, gift sets, or promotions that cater to customers celebrating this occasion. Early planning is key for timely delivery.
OCTOBER
Halloween – October 31st
The spookiest day of the year gives fancy dress, candy and décor businesses their moment to shine. Join in the fun with some themed social media posts – the scarier the better!
NOVEMBER
Diwali – November 8th
A major festival for gifting across India and South Asian communities worldwide. Promote culturally relevant bundles, limited-edition products, and festive offers.
Singles’ Day - November 11
From China to the world, this is one of the largest online shopping days. Run deals, bundles, and flash promotions to attract bargain hunters globally.
Black Friday – November 27th
Global online shopping surges! Prepare inventory, promotions, and cross-border logistics. Express shipping and bundled offers boost last-minute conversions.
DECEMBER
Christmas Day Countdown – December 1st onwards
The end of the year marks your final opportunity to make some significant sales. As Santa himself knows, preparation is crucial – there's no such thing as being too early! But don’t neglect the last-minute shoppers either – offering Express/Next-Day shipping will help your business attract these hurried buyers.
For fast, international shipping, open a DHL Express Business Account.
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