4 peak seasons to ramp up online selling in the USA

As the calendar turns, seasons come and go – and with them, a range of opportunities for e-commerce entrepreneurs. The United States of America (USA) is known for its annual retail cycles, marked by peak seasons when consumer spending sees a notable uptick. During these periods, e-commerce sales flourish, offering online retailers in Indonesia the chance to capitalise on the surge. 

A study by Statista forecasted that US retail e-commerce sales would reach US$1.4 trillion in 2027, with an increase of US$509.4 billion between 2023 and 2027. These figures underscore the value of leveraging peak seasons for maximum sales growth. Understanding these peak seasons and strategically positioning your business to benefit can make all the difference to your bottom line. Here are key peak seasons to ramp up your online selling in the USA and the types of businesses that could best benefit from each:

1. Back-to-school season (July to September)

When the summer break in the US ends, the preparation for the new academic year commences in full swing. This period triggers a remarkable demand for a range of products. Stationery, such as pencils, pens, notebooks, and craft materials, often top the list. Also, many parents choose this time to buy new electronics for their children, such as laptops or calculators, to enhance their learning experience. Shoes, bags, and clothing, too, witness a significant surge as students see an end to their holidays and gear up with their new 'back-to-school' wardrobe. To attract consumers, businesses can offer enticing bundle deals and popular items at sales prices. 

The back-to-school season is not just confined to young students but also encompasses college-goers, further broadening the potential customer base. The National Retail Federation highlighted that back-to-school spending is expected to reach a record US$41.5 billion in 2023, reiterating the immense potential this season holds for businesses.

2. Halloween season (October) 

As the leaves turn orange, retailers across the USA gear up for the peak season of Halloween, a favourite American holiday. Halloween offers opportunities for a variety of businesses. Sweet shops and confectioners get to shine, offering Halloween-themed treats that are both frightening and delightful. These treats often prove to be some of the best buys in the USA during this season. Retailers specialising in costumes and masks enjoy soaring sales as people of all ages embrace the holiday spirit and transform into their favourite characters.

Art and craft suppliers benefit from those looking to make homemade decorations, while party stores cater to those throwing a Halloween bash. And let's not forget the breweries and liquor stores providing the spirits for adult celebrations. According to the National Retail Federation’s survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, Halloween spending hit US$10.6 billion in 2022. This data cements Halloween's firm standing as a lucrative seasonal sales period, contributing significantly to the yearly boost in online shopping in America.

3. Thanksgiving, Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November)

The fourth Thursday of November signals the start of the holiday shopping season in the USA, kicking off with Thanksgiving. Following closely are Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which have become synonymous with deep discounts and frenzied online shopping. Almost every business category benefits during this period, with electronics, computers and toys being top performers. According to Practical E-commerce, in 2020, Cyber Monday sales alone hit a staggering US$11.3 billion, making it the largest online shopping day in US history. 

4. Christmas holidays season (December)

December ushers in a season of joy, generosity, and gift-giving. Businesses dealing in gifts, apparel, electronics, and festive decor can anticipate a significant increase in sales during the period leading up to Christmas. The holiday shopping period, stretching from late November to December, is known to contribute heavily to annual retail sales. Furthermore, the convenience and vast product range offered by online shopping make it an attractive option for holiday shoppers, further driving e-commerce sales during this season. 

Streamline operations during peak seasons with DHL Express 

Optimising your online sales strategy around peak seasons and holidays in the USA can provide a substantial increase to your business' bottom line. Yet, the high demand during these periods can present several challenges. A significant one is managing the sudden surge in demand and ensuring efficient order fulfilment. The volume of orders can strain your current processes, requiring a level of efficiency that may be difficult to maintain. 

This is where DHL Express steps in as your trusted ally. We offer a suite of benefits designed to address these challenges and ensure seamless, efficient operations when shipping to the US:

• MyDHL+: With our easy-to-use platform, MyDHL+, the shipping process is streamlined, allowing you to manage your orders efficiently. You can book, track, and manage shipments all in one place, ensuring timely fulfilment and customer satisfaction even during the busiest times of the year. 
• On-demand delivery: We understand that your customers might not always be available to receive their packages. With on-demand delivery, your customers can choose when and where they'd like their delivery, increasing customer satisfaction and successful first-time deliveries.

A further challenge for Indonesian businesses shipping to the USA during peak seasons is navigating the complexities of customs regulations, particularly when shipping internationally. Incorrect or incomplete export documentation can result in shipment delays or additional costs, which can negatively impact customer satisfaction. DHL Express is a global leader in international shipping, with extensive knowledge of customs regulations worldwide. Our experts ensure that your shipments comply with all relevant regulations, preventing unnecessary delays. 

Additionally, businesses can meet their green logistics goals with our GoGreen Plus service; we offer the chance to offset the carbon emissions related to your shipment by investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

By following the golden rules of e-commerce and leveraging the benefits of DHL Express, you're not just choosing a shipping provider. You're choosing a partner who is dedicated to helping you navigate and make the most of peak seasons. Trust DHL Express to empower your online sales strategy, streamline your operations, and enhance your customer experience. Together, we can make the most of the opportunities that peak seasons in the USA present.

Read our peak season advice for businesses to learn how you can optimise your sales. Open a DHL Express business account now.