Identify Key Retail Marketing and Sales Opportunities in 2024
To support Australian and New Zealand retailers in maximising sales opportunities, we’ve introduced the 2024 Retail Marketing Calendar. This calendar compiles key sales events, cultural, and other significant dates that we recommend retailers consider when mapping out their marketing plan. Given the competitive landscape of brand loyalty, brands not adapting to sales trends risk not only losing sales but also customers.
In recent years, consumer loyalty to any single brand has become less rigid. While brand loyalty still exists, earning and sustaining it has become increasingly challenging. Due largely to social media, the contemporary buyer, whether making online purchases or opting for traditional brick-and-mortar shopping, is more exposed than ever to your competitors, their pricing strategies, and various deals. Missing even one opportunity can damage the loyalty bond between you and a customer, impacting both current sales and the potential growth with new customers.
Retail Calendar for Australia and New Zealand [2024]
Marketing Trends for Retailers
Now that you’ve got a clear idea of where you can align your marketing and sales, how about tossing in some innovative approaches to kick your campaigns into high gear?
5 Marketing Tactics to Elevate Your Game in 2024
- Craft engaging social media campaigns: Involve your audience in your campaigns through direct involvmenet like challenges or User-Generated Content (UGC).
- Plan to implement User-Generated Content (UGC): If you haven't tried UGC, maybe 2024 is the year... it is a fun way to help build a connection with your brand (brand loyalty brownie points). It can work well when aligned with promotions.
- Build email marketing automations for sales promotions: Automate your communications using real-time personalistion to create better customer experiences and improve campaign performance.
- Lock in and spin up your influencer marketing: Consider building authentic partnerships with influencers - they can boost brand visibility and credibility.
- Show your green side: Businesses that embrace eco-friendly practices in their operations and product offerings can appeal to eco-conscious consumers. If you have an eco-friendly business, don't hide it!
- Pop-up Stores: Pop-up stores are a great way to get in front of your audience in their own backyard.
Commence Planning for 2025!
Yes, you read that correct! While most items on this calendar will remain constant in 2025, the businesses that fine-tune their marketing campaigns are the ones set to emerge as winners. The most successful campaigns often result from thorough planning and dedicated time for refinement and execution. However, there are two common pitfalls to watch out for in this process. The first, and most prevalent, is failing to kick off the planning process. Get your planning dates locked in the calendar now. The second is falling into the trap of overthinking – creating a plan to make a plan can become counterproductive. Conduct your research, let creativity flow, and, above all, trust and support your team’s decisions.
This Calendar Isn't Set in Stone
This calendar serves as a guide and a kickstart to assist you and your team in the planning process. There’s a whole world of opportunities beyond these ideas to level up your marketing strategy. Think about what makes your brand unique – maybe local sports events, concerts, or pop-up stores? Let your creativity flow and create your own version of this calendar, full of exciting possibilities for your brand. Good luck!
