As the warm days of summer begin to fade, savvy marketers know it’s time to shift gears and start planning for the busy fall and winter seasons. With a plethora of holidays on the horizon, there are countless opportunities to engage with your audience, boost sales, and build brand awareness. But, to make the most of these opportunities, you need to plan your marketing and promotions well in advance.
In this post, we’ll break down the key holidays that take place after August in the USA and Canada, along with some tried-and-true marketing tactics and tips to ensure your campaigns are set up for success.
1. Labor Day
What is it?
Labor Day in the USA and Canada is a celebration of the contributions of workers. It’s also seen as the unofficial end of summer, marked by barbecues, parades, and a long weekend of relaxation.
Marketing Tactics:
Labor Day is a prime time for end-of-summer sales, particularly in retail. Consider running promotions that highlight "last chance" deals on summer items or pre-fall sales. It’s also a great time to clear out summer inventory with special discounts or bundles.
Preparation Tips:
- Start promoting your Labor Day sales in mid-August.
- Use email marketing to remind your subscribers about upcoming deals.
- Leverage social media to create a sense of urgency with countdowns to the end of the sale.
2. Back to School
What is it?
Back to School isn't a holiday, but it's a significant shopping event, especially in the USA and Canada. Families stock up on school supplies, clothing, and electronics, making it a crucial period for retailers.
Marketing Tactics:
Target parents and students with bundled offers on school essentials. Highlight any student discounts, special offers for teachers, or partnerships with educational brands.
Preparation Tips:
- Create a dedicated back-to-school landing page on your website.
- Run social media ads targeting parents and students.
- Offer exclusive deals for early-bird shoppers to beat the rush.
3. Canadian Thanksgiving (Second Monday of October)
What is it?
Canadian Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, celebrating the harvest, and spending time with family. It’s similar to the American Thanksgiving but occurs in early October.
Marketing Tactics:
Focus on gratitude-themed promotions, such as "thank you" discounts or giveaways. Since this holiday is centered around food and family, restaurants and food brands can offer special Thanksgiving menus or meal kits.
Preparation Tips:
- Plan and promote Thanksgiving-themed content in late September.
- Collaborate with food bloggers or influencers to showcase your products.
- Use email campaigns to send out Thanksgiving recipes, tips, or gift ideas.
4. Halloween
What is it?
Halloween is celebrated on October 31st and is all about costumes, candy, and spooky fun. It's a major event for retailers, especially those in the costume, candy, and decoration industries.
Marketing Tactics:
Create a sense of mystery and excitement with Halloween-themed promotions. Consider offering limited-edition products, hosting a costume contest, or running a social media campaign that encourages user-generated content (like sharing photos of costumes).
Preparation Tips:
- Start teasing your Halloween promotions in early October.
- Develop themed content, such as “Spooktacular Deals” or “Trick or Treat” offers.
- Collaborate with influencers or local events to amplify your reach.
5. Remembrance Day (Canada) / Veterans Day (USA)
What is it?
Both Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in the USA are observed on November 11th to honor military veterans and those who have served in the armed forces.
Marketing Tactics:
These holidays are more about reflection than promotion, but brands can still engage by showing support for veterans. Consider offering special discounts for veterans, partnering with veteran-owned businesses, or running a campaign that donates a portion of proceeds to veteran charities.
Preparation Tips:
- Show your brand’s support with respectful and heartfelt messaging.
- Share stories or tributes on social media to engage your audience meaningfully.
- Promote any veteran-focused discounts or partnerships in early November.
6. Black Friday
What is it?
Black Friday, the day after American Thanksgiving, is a massive shopping event that’s known for deep discounts and doorbuster deals. It’s become increasingly popular in Canada as well.
Marketing Tactics:
Prepare for a surge in online and in-store traffic by offering significant discounts, early-bird specials, and flash sales. Consider creating exclusive bundles or limited-time offers to create urgency.
Preparation Tips:
- Start building hype for your Black Friday deals in early November.
- Use email marketing to offer sneak peeks of your discounts.
- Optimize your website for increased traffic and ensure a smooth shopping experience.
7. Cyber Monday
What is it?
Cyber Monday is the online counterpart to Black Friday and focuses on e-commerce deals. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture online shoppers with exclusive web-only offers.
Marketing Tactics:
Leverage digital channels like email, social media, and PPC ads to promote your Cyber Monday deals. Offer free shipping or additional discounts for online purchases.
Preparation Tips:
- Prepare your online store for high traffic and test your checkout process.
- Run targeted ads to reach last-minute shoppers.
- Extend your Cyber Monday deals throughout the week for continued sales.
8. Christmas
What is it?
Christmas is one of the most significant holidays in both the USA and Canada, celebrated on December 25th. It’s a time for giving, family gatherings, and festive cheer.
Marketing Tactics:
Christmas is prime time for holiday-themed campaigns. Consider offering gift guides, festive packaging, and personalized gift options. Running a “12 Days of Christmas” promotion or an advent calendar countdown can keep customers engaged throughout the season.
Preparation Tips:
- Begin promoting Christmas deals right after Thanksgiving.
- Use social media to share holiday gift ideas and special offers.
- Offer gift-wrapping services and ensure your shipping deadlines are clear to customers.
9. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
What is it?
The transition from December 31st to January 1st is celebrated with parties, resolutions, and a sense of new beginnings. It’s a time for reflection and looking forward to the year ahead.
Marketing Tactics:
Promote New Year’s Eve events, party supplies, or fitness products (for those starting new resolutions). The “New Year, New You” theme is always popular, making it a great time to launch new products or services.
Preparation Tips:
- Capitalize on the “fresh start” mentality with campaigns that encourage customers to try something new.
- Run countdown-themed promotions leading up to midnight on December 31st.
- Encourage customers to share their resolutions on social media using a unique hashtag.
Final Thoughts
As summer wraps up, now’s the perfect time to plan your fall and winter marketing strategies. With so many holidays and special events on the horizon, there’s no shortage of opportunities to connect with your audience and drive sales. By preparing your campaigns early and aligning them with the key holidays, you’ll be well-positioned to make the most of the upcoming season.
So, grab your calendar, start mapping out your promotions, and get ready to make this fall and winter your most successful seasons yet!
