The holiday shopping season is shorter than usual, with only 5 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. According to research by BCG, the compressed calendar means each day will be crucial for retailers to meet sales targets. The report highlights the importance of weekdays, particularly online shopping, as consumers increasingly turn to digital channels during the week.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that 45% of consumers plan to start holiday shopping before November, but retailers must remind them about the shortened season. Target, for instance, is planning big promotions and price reductions on over 2,000 items to capitalize on the season.

Consumer confidence has taken a hit this year, with the Conference Board reporting a 7-point drop in September. This could impact holiday spending, which is expected to be down compared to previous years.

Retailers must adapt quickly to meet changing consumer habits and expectations. The BCG report advises retailers to focus on speed, agility, and intentional shopping experiences to drive growth during this unique holiday season.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2024/10/25/holiday-shopping-season-is-5-days-shorter-so-retailers-must-run-faster-in-2024/