SEM Ideas for this Holiday Season

What should be the new SEM practices for this upcoming holiday season?

[NetElixir]

Worrying about what beach to go to on the weekend or where the annual company picnic in the park will be are common thoughts on people’s mind during the summer months, but thinking about shopping for the holidays is not usually on the minds of many. For online retailers, however, now is the time to begin gearing up for the 2009 holiday season. With consumers’ attitudes more cost conscious this year, retailers need to understand exactly when the holiday shopping season takes place, be aware of the nature of the market, and learn how consumers think and what they are looking for.

So, What can be done differently this season to cope with the difficult times?

[vincevincevince]

Is July not actually a holiday?

[NetElixir]

I was more referring to the shopping season from the end of Oct/ beginning of Nov. to the end of Dec. This time can account for up to 50% of annual profits for some retailers, making it a very significant time of year.

[vincevincevince]

Sorry, I didn't realise you were talking about Christmas shopping; by holiday shopping I presumed you meant buying a vacation.

I have no statistics or studies to back me up, but my gut feeling is that there will be a strong back-to-basics theme behind Christmas this year. It is no longer such a social stigma not to buy expensive branded gifts; given the socio-economic mood, if it lasts until November, there will be a certain respectability to gifts which radiate quality, sustainability and modesty.

Therefore, if I were to give some ungrounded advice to the toy sector it would be: stock up on non-interactive products; wooden toys (especially handmade and/or large items), traditional favourites (hoops, bowling sets, board games), classic children's books