Top 3 Holiday Shopping Trends to Watch in 2025

he holiday season has always been a pivotal period for retailers and consumers. Technology, economic uncertainty, and shifting consumer behaviors are shaping new trends this holiday season that businesses must understand to stay competitive. Understanding what consumers truly want can mean the difference between a successful holiday season and missed opportunities.

Here’s a look at the top 3 holiday shopping trends to watch in 2025 and how retailers can align their strategies to meet consumer demands.

Consumers are no longer waiting until Black Friday or December to begin their holiday shopping. Sixty-five percent of U.S. consumers plan to start shopping for holiday gifts by Thanksgiving, with 22% beginning in September or earlier and 20% beginning in October, according to a report from Tinuiti. By shopping earlier, consumers can purchase popular items before they sell out, take advantage of early promotions, and spread spending over several months to manage their budgets.

Retailers are capitalizing on this trend by launching early sales events and pre-holiday campaigns. This not only drives sales but also helps retailers manage inventory and reduce last-minute supply chain stress. Target and Kohl’s are both offering sales the first full week of October. They are joining an increasingly large group of retailers targeting holiday shoppers well before Halloween that also includes Best Buy, Amazon and Macy’s. 

Online shopping continues to grow, with mobile devices driving a substantial portion of holiday purchases. Nearly 40% of consumers are expecting to ramp up online shopping this year, according to Tinuiti. November and December digital sales are expected to reach an unprecedented $1.25 trillion around the globe in 2025, according to new data from Salesforce. In the U.S., digital sales are forecasted to grow 2% for a total of $288 billion. 

A seamless digital experience including fast loading times, simplified checkout, and clear delivery information is critical to making online shopping easy and convenient. Technology innovations such as augmented reality product previews and virtual try-ons are enhancing the online shopping experience, making it more interactive and reducing returns. Retailers investing in these tools can provide shoppers with an experience that blends the convenience of online shopping with the confidence of in-store interactions.

While online shopping is growing, shoppers still want flexibility in how and where they purchase products. A seamless omnichannel approach, integrating online stores, mobile apps, and physical locations, is crucial to reaching more customers during the holidays. Retailers integrating inventory systems across all channels can reduce stockouts, improve delivery accuracy, and enhance the holiday shopping experience. Fulfillment services like buy online, pick up in store, curbside pickup, and same-day delivery are expected features that influence purchase decisions.

Consumers expect reliability and convenience when it comes to omnichannel fulfillment. Real-time tracking, customizable delivery time-windows, and multiple fulfillment options are essential to reducing stress on delivery services and ensuring customers receive their orders in time for the holidays. Retailers using dynamic routing, multiple delivery partners, and micro-fulfillment centers can reduce delivery delays, adapt to demand spikes faster, and boost customer satisfaction. 

The holiday season will be defined by early, digital, and convenient shopping experiences. Retailers that recognize and adapt to these trends can capture consumer attention and maximize holiday sales.

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