Retailers that want to make the most of the upcoming busy shopping season need to start thinking about their marketing plans, from how they advertise to what they put in their windows to attract shoppers passing by. 

Although people used to cram their festive purchasing into the few weeks before December 25th, thanks to online shopping and loved ones being spread across the country, consumers start earlier these days. 

In fact, Yesmail Interactive revealed nearly 70 per cent of customers begin shopping before December 1st, with 13.8 per cent even starting before the beginning of September. 

This means shoppers are already in full force when it comes to purchasing Christmas presents, food, drink, cards and wrapping paper. 

Therefore, it is imperative that retailers work out not just what they are planning to sell for the festive season, but how they intend to lure people into their stores. 

Christmas decorations are, of course, a must, but people need to see more than tinsel and sparkling baubles to be tempted to step indoors. 

Something that really grabs their attention like LED screens could be the answer, as these differentiate them from other stores, giving them an edge over their competitors. 

If they display their festive goods on the screens, whether they are selling party outfits or chocolate gifts, this will remind people what they need to buy that they may have forgotten about. 

As it’s the season to be jolly, make it as glitzy, glamorous and cheerful as possible, lifting shoppers’ spirits as they battle the crowds during the busy season. 

Although consumers are buying their gifts earlier and earlier every year, with the number of searches for the phrase ‘Christmas gift ideas’ rising from 154,220 in August 2018 to 271,780 in August 2021, do not panic if you have not sorted out your window displays yet. 

However, it is a good idea to have them ready before the Black Friday sales at the end of November, which has become a popular time for customers to really ramp up their festive shopping.