The holiday season is fast approaching and the numbers are in! According to the National Retail Federation, 20 to 40 percent of yearly sales for small and mid-sized retailers take place within the last two months of the year. In order to compete with larger sized businesses, smaller companies must take part in holiday “sale madness”! If your holiday sales and marketing efforts have not yet begun, now would be the time to start!
Good news! According to a survey by IBM, 1 in 5 holiday shoppers plan to spend more this year.
Photo Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net & David Castillo Dominici
In-Store Sales Statistics
According to a survey by Accenture, 55 percent of consumers plan to visit stores on shopping days like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. That is less than 2 weeks away!
Internet Sales Statistics
If you are an online-based business get excited for Cyber Monday. According to a survey by Accenture, Cyber Monday online sales jumped 30 percent in 2012, over 2011. Additionally, eMarketer forecasts that online sales will increase by 15.1 percent in 2013.
Tip: Ramp Up Your Small Business Saturday Marketing!
According to a survey by American Express, consumers spent an estimated $5.5 billion at locally-owned stores and restaurants on Small Business Saturday 2012. This year, American Express is offering Card Members the opportunity to get a $10 credit when they enroll their eligible American Express® Card and then use it to spend $10 or more at a small business on November 30th. If you haven’t promoted this to your customers yet, download badges and signs to post in your store, online and on your social media networks to encourage them to shop small:
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/small-business/shop-small/about/
Tip: Social Media is Key to your Holiday Marketing Success!
Make sure to set up your social media efforts this year as social media interactions were pivotal to sales in 2012! According to a survey by Mr Youth, 66 percent of 2012 Black Friday purchases were the result of a social media interaction. Additionally, 39.3 percent of consumers said Facebook has influenced them to buy gift and 64 percent of respondents said they have bought a product because of something they saw on Twitter.
Good luck to all the small businesses out there this holiday season! Consumers, remember to shop small and locally at the mom and pop shops that create jobs (building the economy) and make a difference in your community!
SurveyAct 