#SmallBusinessAdvice

Peak Season E-commerce Sales Calendar 2024

Vivien Christel Vella
Vivien Christel Vella
Global Digital Marketing Manager
2 min read
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This article covers
Key dates for your Peak Season e-commerce sales calendar
A brief overview of key events including Black Friday, Singles' Day and Christmas

With Peak Season just around the corner, your business will have lots to think about – including Christmas delivery and managing seasonal inventory. Use our sales calendar to help you prepare for the rush. Happy selling!

 

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October 31st: Halloween

Whilst not as big an event as others in our list, the spookiest day of the year should still be in your sales calendar. More than a third of Halloween sales now take place online1, meaning e-commerce businesses selling candy, costumes and decorations have a great opportunity to take a slice of the (pumpkin) pie.

 

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November 11th: Singles’ Day

Singles’ Day first emerged in China in the 1990s as an unofficial holiday to celebrate those not in a relationship. It has since grown to become the biggest shopping day in the world. Millions of consumers head online looking for bargains, and with Chinese buyers’ fondness for foreign brands, there are many lucrative opportunities for cross-border e-commerce businesses. 

 

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November 24th: Black Friday

A key priority for your e-commerce sales strategy. This event originated in the US, where the Friday after Thanksgiving traditionally marked the start of the Christmas shopping season. It has since become a global phenomenon, with retailers offering huge deals and discounts to lure bargain hunters in.

 

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December 2nd: Cyber Monday

Back when home internet was slow, many Americans, “fresh off a Thanksgiving weekend of window shopping”2, would use the Monday back at work to jump online and shop. Today, internet speed is not a problem, but the day remains a key sales season event, with many businesses using the opportunity to shift leftover Black Friday stock at further discounts. 

 

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December 21st: Super Saturday

Also known as “Panic Saturday” – for obvious reasons – this is the final Saturday before Christmas when all the last-minute shoppers suddenly realize they can’t put off thinking about the big day any longer. Other savvy shoppers wait until Super Saturday to do their holiday shopping with the expectation of deals. Be clear about final Christmas delivery shipping times on your website so customers don’t miss the deadline. 

 

graphic image of DHL shopping activities

December 23rd: Last Monday before Christmas

Not to be outdone, some last-minute shoppers wait until the Monday to squeeze in their gift buying. Only online retailers offering next-day delivery will be able to cash in here, so be sure to shout about your speedy shipping on your e-commerce website and across your socials to attract them to your store.

 

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December 26th: Boxing Day

With the big day over, the sales bonanza begins. It’s a great opportunity for your business to shift any excess seasonal inventory – just be sure your online store is optimized for mobile, ready for shoppers having a lazy scroll on the sofa during the post-Christmas slump!

Worried about the holiday rush? Get support from the logistics experts with a DHL Express Business Account.

Apply now

Attention SME Superheroes! With Peak Season nearly here, we know there are a million things for small businesses to consider. But don’t fret! Use our dedicated Peak Season Sales & Logistics Checklist to ensure your business is fully prepared to cash in on every opportunity. Happy selling!

Download your free checklist here