#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
The main 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!

 

graphic image of sales activities

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.

 

graphic image of shopping activities

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. 

 

graphic image of shopping holidays

November 29th: 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.

 

graphic image of several shopping activities

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. 

 

graphic image of manufacturers

December 21st: Super Saturday

Small Business Saturday has been growing in popularity in the US and UK. The campaign encourages customers to patronize small businesses in their communities – giving them a chance of competing with the ‘Big Players’ for a weekend. For online SMEs, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase their local roots and drive sales where authenticity, sustainability and community spirit still matter.

graphic image of mobile 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.

 

graphic image of DHL shopping activities

December 26th: Boxing Day

With the big day over, and gift shopping done, consumers now start thinking about bargains for themselves. Many e-commerce businesses offer discounts on this day to lure them in. It’s a great opportunity for your business to shift any excess Christmas 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!

For more Peak Season sales tips, check out our dedicated guides. Happy holidays!

Worried about the holiday rush? With a DHL Express Business Account, you'll receive dedicated support to fulfill your shipping commitments over the busy period. 

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