What’s more powerful than discounts and deals?
Planning.
In the world of retail, timing is everything, and knowing exactly when your customers are primed to shop can make all the difference between a good year and a record-breaking one.
The US retail calendar is packed with many opportunities to connect with your customers, drive sales, and build lasting relationships. From the fresh energy of New Year’s resolutions to the festive frenzy of the holiday season, certain days stand out as prime times to capture attention and boost your bottom line.
By strategically planning around these key shopping days, you’re not just reacting to the market—you’re anticipating it, meeting your customers where they are, and offering them exactly what they need, exactly when they need it.
Popular US Retail Shopping Days
Check out the most popular US retail shopping days and explore how you can make the most of them to keep your sales and marketing flowing smoothly all year long.
January: New Year, New Sales!
New Year/New You
The ball has dropped, resolutions are set, and everyone’s in “new me” mode. Whether it’s fitness gear, wellness products, or organizing tools, now’s your chance to help your customers kickstart their goals.
- Pro Tip: Use Click-to-Experience ads dropping a friendly reminder to shoppers about products that’ll help them stick to their resolutions—personalized, of course!
Campaign Planning: Start planning in early November.
Promotion Launch: Launch promotions right after Christmas, around December 26.
MLK Day
Ah, the sweet, sweet sound of a long weekend. MLK Day is perfect for those who love a little retail therapy with their day off.
- Pro Tip: Highlight products that promote unity, equality, and all-around good vibes. It’s a great time to connect with your customers on a deeper level.
Campaign Planning: Begin planning by late November.
Promotion Launch: Start promotions in early January.
February: Love, Football, and Presidents—Oh My!
Super Bowl Weekend
Whether they’re cheering for the winning team or just in it for the snacks, Super Bowl weekend is a huge deal. Score big by promoting party essentials and team gear.
- Pro Tip: Engage fans with a fun poll or quiz through chat to recommend game-day must-haves based on their favorite team.
Campaign Planning: Begin planning in early January.
Promotion Launch: Launch promotions two weeks before the event.
Valentine’s Day
Cupid’s got nothing on you. Valentine’s Day is your time to shine with gifts that say, “I love you” in just the right way.
- Pro Tip: Use Click-to-Experience ads and a quiz to help customers find that perfect gift for their special someone. Personalized suggestions? Yes, please!
Campaign Planning: Start planning by early January.
Promotion Launch: Begin promotions by late January.
President’s Day
Long weekend sales, anyone? President’s Day is the time to move big-ticket items like furniture and electronics.
- Pro Tip: Make those big purchases easier with conversational commerce that guides customers through their options.
Campaign Planning: Begin planning in mid-January.
Promotion Launch: Start promotions by the end of February.
Download the Popular US Shopping Days Workbook to stay ahead and plan your strategy.
March: Madness and Magic
St. Paddy’s Day
Feeling lucky? You should be, because St. Paddy’s Day is all about fun, festive, and themed products.
- Pro Tip: Run a “lucky” sweepstakes or flash sale to create a little urgency and excitement.
Campaign Planning: Start planning by early February.
Promotion Launch: Begin promotions in early March.
March Madness
Get in the game! March Madness is a slam dunk for promotions on sports gear, snacks, and entertainment setups.
- Pro Tip: Why not create a bracket-style contest? Engage your customers and offer exclusive deals for the winners.
Campaign Planning: Start planning by early February.
Promotion Launch: Begin promotions in early March.
April: Spring Into Action
Spring Break
Whether your customers are hitting the beach or enjoying a staycation, Spring Break is all about relaxation and fun.
- Pro Tip: Offer travel tips, product bundles, or even packing lists through chat commerce to make their planning a breeze.
Campaign Planning: Begin planning in early to mid-February.
Promotion Launch: Start promotions by mid-March.
Earth Day
Let’s get green! Earth Day is the perfect time to showcase your eco-friendly products and sustainability efforts.
- Pro Tip: Share your brand’s sustainability story through Stories and then drive conversations to the DMs recommending products that make the planet (and your customers) happy.
Campaign Planning: Start planning in early March.
Promotion Launch: Launch promotions in early April.
Tax Day
Refund season is here, and people are ready to splurge. Help them spend that extra cash wisely with promotions on high-end products.
- Pro Tip: Offer tips on smart spending and suggest a few splurge-worthy items.
May: Celebrating Moms and Memories
Campaign Planning: Begin planning in early March.
Promotion Launch: Start promotions in early April.
Mother’s Day
Moms deserve the best, and so do your customers! Help them find the perfect gift, whether it’s something cozy, chic, or sentimental.
- Pro Tip: Using Click-to-Experience ads, you can offer personalized gift recommendations based on what Mom loves.
Campaign Planning: Start planning in early March.
Promotion Launch: Launch promotions by mid-April.
Memorial Day
Summer’s around the corner, and Memorial Day is the kickoff we’ve all been waiting for. Think outdoor gear, apparel, and anything that screams “summer fun.”
- Pro Tip: Start those summer vibes early with exclusive discounts and free shipping offers.
Campaign Planning: Begin planning late March.
Promotion Launch: Start promotions in early May.
June: Dad’s Day and Summer Daze
Father’s Day
Time to celebrate the dads! Whether he’s a tech geek, sports fanatic, or DIY pro, Father’s Day is your moment to shine.
- Pro Tip: Help customers find the perfect gift with a quiz or guided shopping experience through a personalized, automated conversation.
Campaign Planning: Start planning by mid-April.
Promotion Launch: Begin promotions by late May.
July: Fireworks and Flash Sales
4th of July
Let the fireworks begin! Summer sales are hot, hot, hot, and the 4th of July is no exception. From BBQ essentials to patriotic gear, it’s all about celebrating.
- Pro Tip: Bundle deals are your best friend. Use CTX ads to offer summer-ready bundles that customers can’t resist.
Campaign Planning: Start planning in early May.
Promotion Launch: Launch promotions by mid-June.
August: Back to School and Kickoff Time
Back to School
The kiddos are heading back to class, and parents are on the hunt for supplies, clothes, and gadgets.
- Pro Tip: Make back-to-school shopping a breeze with personalized product bundles for every age and stage.
Campaign Planning: Begin planning in late May/early June.
Promotion Launch: Start promotions by mid-July.
Football Begins
Ready for some football? Fans are gearing up, and your store should be, too. Tailgating essentials and team merch are must-haves.
- Pro Tip: Score big with contests, rewards, and exclusive deals for the biggest fans.
Campaign Planning: Start planning by late June.
Promotion Launch: Launch promotions by early August.
September: Spice Things Up
Labor Day
Labor Day sales are the last hurrah of summer. It’s all about big savings on home goods, apparel, and electronics.
- Pro Tip: Keep the momentum going with last-minute deals and limited-time offers. You can use CTX ads or Organic social engagement—or both—to spread the promotion..
Campaign Planning: Begin planning in late June.
Promotion Launch: Start promotions by mid-August
Pumpkin Spice Latte Season
Fall is in the air, and so is the scent of pumpkin spice. This is the time to celebrate all things cozy, warm, and autumnal.
- Pro Tip: Create a fall-themed shopping experience that guides customers to your seasonal favorites.
Campaign Planning: Start planning in late July.
Promotion Launch: Launch promotions by early September.
October: Spook-tacular Sales
Halloween
Time to get spooky! Costumes, decorations, and candy—October is a retailer’s dream.
- Pro Tip: How about a costume-finder quiz or a haunted-themed chat experience? Keep it fun, keep it festive!
Campaign Planning: Begin planning in mid-July.
Promotion Launch: Start promotions by late September.
Looking for Halloween inspiration? Check out these Spooky Good Campaigns.
November: Feast and Frenzy
Thanksgiving Turkey time!
Whether it’s hosting essentials or gourmet goodies, Thanksgiving is all about feasting in style.
- Pro Tip: Use ZEALS to suggest recipes and pairings based on what customers are buying. They’ll be toasting to you in no time.
Campaign Planning: Start planning in late July.
Promotion Launch: Launch promotions by early November.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday
The shopping event of the year. Period. Get ready for a frenzy of deals and discounts that customers will be lining up for.
- Pro Tip: Create urgency with countdowns, flash sales, and exclusive offers—your customers won’t want to miss out!
Campaign Planning: Begin planning in early August.
Promotion Launch: Start teasing promotions in early November, with full launches around mid-November.
Get inspired. Check our these Black Friday promo ideas.
Shop Small Business Saturday
Support local! This day is all about promoting unique, artisanal, and one-of-a-kind finds.
- Pro Tip: Share stories about the makers and artisans behind your products. It’s a personal touch that customers will love.
Campaign Planning: Start planning in early September.
Promotion Launch: Begin promotions by mid-November.
December: The Grand Finale
Holiday Season
The whole month is one big shopping spree, and you’re the go-to for gifts, decorations, and holiday cheer.
- Pro Tip: Personalized gift guides and last-minute shipping reminders will keep the sales rolling in right up until the big day.
Campaign Planning: Begin planning in early September.
Promotion Launch: Start promotions by early December, focusing on different product categories throughout the month.
Need some inspiration, check out JCPenney’s Holiday GiftBot.
Super Saturday
Last-minute shoppers, unite! This is the final push before the holidays, and you’re here to save the day with extended hours and expedited shipping.
- Pro Tip: Send those reminders about last-minute deals and in-store pickup options. You’re their holiday hero!
Campaign Planning: Start planning in early to mid-October.
Promotion Launch: Begin promotions the week before Super Saturday.
The Bottom Line: Timing is Everything
Planning isn’t just important, it’s essential. By knowing the right time to launch your campaigns and aligning your promotions with key shopping days, you’re not just keeping up with the competition, you’re staying ahead of it.
Each of these popular shopping days offers a unique opportunity to connect with your customers, drive sales, and build lasting relationships. But the secret lies in strategic planning. When you anticipate your customers’ needs and meet them where they are, you transform ordinary sales into extraordinary results.
So, mark those dates, plan ahead, and watch as your careful timing translates into a thriving bottom line all year long.
