5 Tips for Maximizing the 2022 Holiday Shopping Season

Despite the evidence of inflation all around us, consumers seem unfazed when it comes to their shopping habits. According to National Retail Federation President and CEO, “October retail sales data confirms that consumers continue to stretch their dollars on household priorities, including gifts for family and loved ones this holiday season.” In other words, consumers are still spending and they’re spending early on holiday gifts. The question is, what can you do to win your share of today’s  holiday shoppers? We have some tips.

 

  1. Appeal to the Hybrid Shopper

 

The intermixing of digital and physical shopping is becoming more dominant with more than half of consumers reporting they shop both ways. Clients of Aptos commerce solutions saw a 75% increase in e-commerce sales fulfilled from their physical stores during the 2021 holiday season. That means more of your customers will expect that they can purchase online and pick up the item in-store. Conversely, if it’s not on the shelf, they will expect to easily purchase a product through your online store. If not, they’ll jump to Amazon or Wallmart.com faster that you can say, “We’ll give you a rain check.”

 

  1. Enable in-app payments

 

The convenience of buying online and picking up curbside or in-store is important to the hybrid shopper. Avoiding the line at checkout is especially appealing during retail madness that is the holidays.

 

  1. Make returns simple for all types of shoppers

 

If you’re known for making returns easy for both e-commerce and in-store shoppers, you’ll earn loyalty. Amazon has built an empire on how simple they enable returns through the mail and through physical drop-off locations. Preparedness for a flood of post-holiday returns is critical.

 

  1. Offer physical gift cards in addition to digital

 

According to Payments Dive, although digital gift cards rose in popularity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, 54% of consumers prefer physical gift cards.

 

  1. Catch the late December shopping spike

 

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday are important kick-offs to holiday shopping, research shows that consumer response to digital ads spikes again just before the shipping cut-off for Christmas delivery. This chart from Search Engine Land paints the picture.

 

 

In conclusion, if you’re in step with what consumers want from a shopping experience, expect a bright holiday season. Consumers are spending generously online and in-store and that’s good for you and our economy.

🎉 We are thrilled to announce that Direct Choice, Inc., in partnership with @centercityfilmvideo , won two Telly Awards! 🎥✨
🥈 Silver Telly in the Insurance category for Jefferson Health Plans` "Reshape Your Medicare" campaign
🥉 Bronze Telly in the Insurance category for Blue Cross NC`s "Yes Plan 2" campaign
A huge thank you to our incredible team and partners for their dedication and creativity. We couldn`t have done it without you! Here`s to many more successful campaigns ahead. 🥂
#TellyAwards #DirectChoice #CenterCityFilmAndVideo #BlueCrossNC #JeffersonHealthPlans #AwardWinningCampaign
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Had a little sprinkle last week for our Production Director, Tom Mellon! He and his wife Marghi are expecting an addition to the family in May. Delicious lunch @whitedogwayne ! Best Wishes Tom and Marghi!! ...

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Direct Choice was honored to present this check to Alex Archawski from the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network (GPVN). GPVN’s mission is making Greater Philadelphia the Best Place For Veterans. #phillyvets #gpvn #communitymatters #givingback ...

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To celebrate the sentiments of peace, love and understanding, this year we are contributing to the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network, who work to make our city the best place for Veterans. Happy Holidays from Direct Choice Inc!
#Phillyvets #GPVN #HappyHolidays
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A fun time and great food at our annual holiday luncheon and gift exchange held @autographwayne! Many alcohol-related gifts beginning with the letter “I”! Thanks Nick! (We missed you Beth!) #happyholidays #whiteelephant #funholidaytimes ...

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Had a fun and informative time at the @BCAPhilly Hospitality Breakfast last Friday. Speaker @TarynSouthern gave a thought-provoking presentation focused on how AI is changing our world. #ai #aimarketing #bcaphilly ...

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Proud to report that Direct Choice picked up 2 Benny Awards last night in the digital/social media marketing categories - Congrats to All!! #pdma #bennyawards #socialmediamarketing #digitalmarketing ...

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This holiday season, we’re continuing to support @philabundance to help them end hunger in our local communities. Happy Holidays from Direct Choice Inc! #philabundance #happyholidays ...

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Kudos for Direct Choice at the PDMA Benny Awards last night. DCI won the top award in 3 categories PLUS WON BEST IN SHOW! Congrats to ALL #PDMA #bennyawards ...

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Here`s something many of us can relate to in the era of virtual meetings - enjoy a good laugh and Happy Holidays from the DCI team! #virtualbloopers #Happyholidays #happyholidays2021 ...

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