When should your Christmas Marketing start

November is just a few days away and Christmas isn't far, so when do you think is the best time to start your Christmas marketing campaign? 

Is September Too Early?

Research conducted by us last year showed from a sample of 500, nearly 40% of people start buying their Christmas gifts as early as September. A large number of this even stated they purchase their gifts before this date! So, what do you think? Is September too early to start thinking about Christmas? 

If you work within retail, then September is about the right time, as shops start putting out all their Christmas stock. The same applies to marketers. A Christmas campaign takes a lot of thought and effort meaning that it needs to be considered in advance by marketing departments. For example, if you are planning on sending out Christmas gifts to your clients, then you will need to ensure you have the gifts well in advance of December. 

Our research also showed that just under 45% of respondents purchase their Christmas gifts in October or November time, with just 15% waiting until December to buy their items. There could be a number of reasons for this. Perhaps people have to save up money on a monthly basis to be able to afford Christmas which means they have to start their shopping a bit later. Alternatively, people may start their shopping early to spread out the cost of Christmas. Of course, there is always the possibility that people are either too excited or fed up of Christmas which shows why they shop early or later.

What To Consider When Planning Your Marketing Campaign

If you are working within a marketing department, then there are far fewer factors to consider. You need to consider the type of marketing campaign you will be undertaking for Christmas, and the gifts you will be sending to your clients or suppliers. This will help to determine how early, or how late, you can start your shopping. 

If you are planning on investing in promotional items, then you will want to start your marketing campaign earlier as you need to allow time for the products to be delivered to your office before you can distribute them yourself. Likewise, if you are planning an event, then you will want to start the planning stage earlier. 

So, are you a late Christmas shopper or do you buy your items well in advance? If you are considering using Christmas promotional items in your marketing campaign then we'd recommend you start your Christmas shopping sooner rather than later! Check out our special corporate Christmas gift idea section to find your perfect gift.

Main image from Pexels.com

Written by

Total Merchandise | Editoral Team

Our editorial team is drawn from a pool of experienced promotional merchandise product team members, account managers, marketers and other contributors. With such a wide range of skills and experience, they write about many aspects of promotional merchandise, wider marketing and business matters, as well as company news updates.

Connect with Total Merchandise on LinkedIn Connect with Total Merchandise on LinkedIn

Total Merchandise
Colour Guide: Why Consider Pink For Your Promotional Products?

Colour Guide: Why Consider Pink For Your Promotional Products?

This just in: pink is set to be the colour of summer 2023, with the release of the Barbie movie (out today!) meaning that colour schemes ac

Revealed: The Best Corporate Food Gifts For Christmas 2023

Revealed: The Best Corporate Food Gifts For Christmas 2023

Corporate food gifts are the perfect way to leave a lasting impression with your clients this Christmas. With options to suit all budgets, we've got everything from

The Best Discounted Christmas Merchandise Ideas To Order Today

The Best Discounted Christmas Merchandise Ideas To Order Today

As you're probably all too aware, Black Friday is fast approaching - and so is Christmas! So in our latest blog post, we're combining the two to bring you a round-up of

Cheers! Our Top Picks Of Promotional Drinkware This Spring

Cheers! Our Top Picks Of Promotional Drinkware This Spring

With temperatures reaching a welcomed 20+ degrees Celsius across parts of the UK this week, it's only fitting that we take a look at our spring and summer-friendly branded d

Our Best Selling Promotional Items: Umbrellas

Our Best Selling Promotional Items: Umbrellas

Promotional Umbrellas have long been one of our most popular promotional items. They are a great giveaway opportunity that offers a large imprint area with high visibility and c

The TM Edit: Our Most Popular Products Of 2020

The TM Edit: Our Most Popular Products Of 2020

With the end of the year edging ever closer, we've decided to shine a light on our most popular promotional products of 2020. These aren't just any old merchandi

Best Summer Merch Ideas To Keep Brand Awareness Hot In 2024

Best Summer Merch Ideas To Keep Brand Awareness Hot In 2024

It might feel like we've only just managed to leave winter behind but summer is fast approaching! And if you're looking for something that little bit different to bolste

The Best Pride Promotional Products For Summer 2024

The Best Pride Promotional Products For Summer 2024

Pride Month is almost upon us, and whether you run an LGBTQ+ organisation or are perhaps planning a corporate event to show your support of the occasion, we're here to help.

How To Use Promotional Products Effectively To Boost Your Business

How To Use Promotional Products Effectively To Boost Your Business

If you've never ordered promotional products before, it can feel a little overwhelming. After all, there are countless product options out there and it can be hard t