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Black Friday is nearly here, and as any savvy online business knows, it marks the start of the very lucrative sales period (hurrah!). But – there’s a but. This year, the e-commerce sector will have to contend with unprecedented global inflation, unstable supply chains and new consumer buying behavior.
Panic not though – we’re here to share our international logistics and e-commerce know how to ensure you still have a very merry sales period.
Here are the challenges that lie ahead – and how your business can adapt.
With global inflation continuing to bite, 42% more shoppers worldwide plan to start buying gifts earlier this holiday season before prices rise further1. Many intend to reduce the amount they spend, too.
According to eBay’s Spend Trends 2022 report3, 60% of consumers said that good value for money is the most important factor when it comes to this year’s Christmas shopping.
With price now a priority, consumers will become “brand promiscuous”, shopping around for the best deals. For e-commerce businesses already facing rising costs, there’s a dilemma: maintain current pricing but risk customers switching to lower-cost brands, or lower prices in the short term but see profits plummet.
Put the customer experience at the heart of your sales campaign this peak season to keep existing customers and attract new ones:
This year, sustainability is set to play a central role. 83% of shoppers will seek out eco-friendly brands and products this holiday season, whilst 42% would even consider paying more for sustainable shipping options4.
There’s the war in Ukraine, rising gas prices, global inflation and lingering Covid border policies delaying exports from China. It’s no wonder 67% of US SMBs say they have already faced inventory challenges in 2022, whilst 80% have seen their supply chain costs rise5. With e-commerce’s busiest season just around the corner, pressures are only set to increase.
Last, but by no means least, trust the DHL Discover platform as your go-to resource for peak season tips, tricks and insights. As the world’s most international company and an e-commerce logistics leader, we will be sharing lots of dedicated guides over the coming weeks to help you navigate the busy sales period. First stop, the Peak Season Toolkit. Happy selling!