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The holiday season is the busiest time of year for retailers, and getting your marketing strategy in place is essential to make the most of it. A significant date to focus on this season? The USPS shipping cutoff. Here’s a guide to leveraging this deadline to boost profits, keep customers happy, and make sure every sale counts.

Holiday Retail Tip: USPS Shipping Cutoff

1. Know the USPS Shipping Cutoff Date

This year, the USPS holiday shipping cutoff date is December 18, 2024. This is the last day you can ship items to guarantee their arrival by Christmas. However, to avoid any potential postal delays, consider treating December 16 as your own internal cutoff. This added buffer can help ensure that your customers’ gifts arrive on time, keeping them delighted and stress-free. Mark this date prominently in your marketing calendar.

2. Plan Promotions with Cutoff Dates in Mind

Building your promotions around this cutoff date can help drive urgency and sales. Here’s how to capitalize on it:

• Ramp up promotions in early December: Encourage early holiday shopping by advertising gift bundles, exclusive products, and limited-time discounts. Remind customers of the upcoming cutoff and the importance of ordering sooner rather than later.
• Host a Flash Sale the Day Before the Cutoff: Consider a flash sale on December 17. Discount holiday-specific items such as Christmas socks, holiday tees, and gift sets. This can create a final push to clear holiday inventory, giving customers one last chance to get their gifts before the deadline.

3. Align In-Store and Online Strategies

With the cutoff date in mind, ensure that your in-store promotions align with your online strategy. Since after the 18th, online shipping isn’t a guaranteed option, it’s time to drive customers into your store. This means:

• Highlight in-store-only deals: After the cutoff, promote exclusive in-store discounts that encourage last-minute shoppers to visit.
• Create urgency with markdowns: Start marking down holiday items that haven’t sold by the shipping cutoff date to help clear inventory.

4. Post-Cutoff Opportunity: Gift Cards

The holiday sales push doesn’t end after your products can’t be shipped. Gift cards are a fantastic option for last-minute shoppers. Running a gift card promotion from December 18 to December 24 can keep sales strong through Christmas Eve. Consider promotions like:

• Gift card BOGO: Buy one gift card, get one at a discount.
• Gift with gift card purchase: Offer a small bonus with each gift card purchase, like a festive holiday accessory or store credit.

Gift cards not only offer a flexible gift option for customers but can also bring new shoppers into your store after the holidays.

Key Takeaways for Profitable Holiday Marketing

• Mark December 18 on your marketing calendar as the USPS shipping cutoff.
• Build urgency with early promotions and a flash sale right before the cutoff.
• Shift focus to in-store sales after December 18 and align markdowns to drive foot traffic.
• Capitalize on gift card sales post-cutoff to offer last-minute options and future sales potential.

The holiday season can be your busiest and most profitable time of the year with the right planning. So, make the USPS cutoff date work for you, prepare those promotions, and get ready to delight customers. Happy holiday selling!

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