Consumers Want More Holidays!

Last year, Valentine’s Day merchandise was in stores by December 15. This year, Hobby Lobby partially stocked its holiday merchandise the week after July 4, and Halloween City pop-up stores opened doors weeks before Labor Day.

Retailers are trying to entice consumers earlier to combat lackluster seasonal and holiday spending, but this early-bird tactic results in consumers being a bit ”over it” when the holidays finally arrive. Therefore, I’ve come to the conclusion that U.S. retailers and consumers need a few more buying-occasion holidays. I’m surprised that the economists have overlooked such an obvious opportunity.

I can think of few things more economically stimulating than a good holiday, especially if it’s coupled with a day or two off work. As it is, most of us enjoy a paltry nine holidays every year that are suitable as giving or buying occasions. (Okay, nine if you count St. Patrick’s Day.)

Consumers spending habits are still conservative; however, there are still motivations that inspire us to buy. The solution isn’t in adding redundant celebrations like Sweetest Day. The trick is to find new National holiday concepts that galvanize, inpire and reward us. Here are some holidays that would get me into a store:

National Beautification Day: Just imagine the elasticity of this idea. From fashion to home improvement to gardening… National Beautification Day can give businesses another opportunity to help customers reach their own unique beautification goals. A Tuesday in May would be the perfect day, but I’m seriously going to need the day off.
National Day of Giving: This is a terrific opportunity for us to turn our attention to those who have suffered from benign neglect over the last year. Think about that neighbor, teacher, mechanic or business colleague—the people you take for granted. How would you celebrate such a day?
National Picnic Day: What could be better than a day totally reserved for celebrating the American outdoor dining experience? Sure, we’ve got July 4th, Labor Day and Memorial Day, but these overscheduled holidays lack focus. Let’s just pick a day to stop work, gather a crowd and cop a squat on the turf with our Smokey Joes.

Need a new holiday? Tell us your ideas!