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
The TM Edit: Best Christmas Gifts For Customers In 2024

The TM Edit: Best Christmas Gifts For Customers In 2024

With autumn officially here, it's safe to say that Christmas is fast approaching. And whether you're ready to deck the halls with boughs of holly or are more reluctant t

Colour Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Blue Promotional Items

Colour Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Blue Promotional Items

With Blue Monday in sight, there's no better time to take a moment or two to think about the colour blue in all its glory. Because it's really not all bad, despite the n

Why Promotional Products Work: The Value Of Merch For Your Brand

Why Promotional Products Work: The Value Of Merch For Your Brand

Okay, we might be biased but there really is no denying it: promotional products are an incredibly powerful tool for any UK business. Whether you're a start-up looki

Must-Have Merch for Your Brands Spring/Summer Marketing

Must-Have Merch for Your Brands Spring/Summer Marketing

Warmer and longer days are officially coming! So now is the perfect time to consider how your business is going to generate positive brand awareness throughout the spring and su

Egg-Cellent Printed Easter Gifts That Every-Bunny Will Love

Egg-Cellent Printed Easter Gifts That Every-Bunny Will Love

Easter is just on the horizon and if you're considering the seasonal treats you would like to gift your customers or colleagues, you've come to the right place because o

A New Take on the January Blues with Promotional Merchandise

A New Take on the January Blues with Promotional Merchandise

The January blues: the phrase that we've become accustomed to using to describe January. The month of cold weather, dark mornings, the post-Christmas come down, and the poss

Promotional Merchandise Statistics: What’s Working in 2025?

Promotional Merchandise Statistics: What’s Working in 2025?

As digital marketing channels become more saturated, branded merchandise continues to stand out by offering something tangible and lasting. Whether given away at events, sent in

10 Exciting New Merch Ideas To Have On Your Radar This March

10 Exciting New Merch Ideas To Have On Your Radar This March

As we step into March, it's the perfect time to refresh your promotional strategies and stay ahead of the curve for the upcoming spring season. Whether you're pr

The TM Edit: 9 Must-See Spring 2025 Merch Ideas For Your Brand

The TM Edit: 9 Must-See Spring 2025 Merch Ideas For Your Brand

The days are getting longer, the birdsong is getting louder and one thing is becoming increasingly clear - spring is nearly here. If you're looking for a Q2 refresh