Understanding month-to-month changes in consumer purchasing behavior is essential for staying ahead in the competitive retail landscape. This calendar delves into the buying trends of 2023, highlighting fluctuations across categories such as apparel, electronics, beauty, and home essentials. By examining these trends, retailers can uncover opportunities to fine-tune inventory planning, align with seasonal demands, and maximize profitability. Whether preparing for peak seasons or stocking for emerging customer preferences, AnthologyAI’s retail calendar equips you with the tools to make informed decisions for a successful 2025.
What makes each month unique, and how can you prepare for seasonal changes?
- January: Health saw a slight decline (-4%) as consumers focused on post-holiday health resolutions. Meanwhile, Video Games plummeted (-65%) following the December holiday shopping surge.
- February: Party & Occasions spiked (+37%) thanks to Valentine’s Day celebrations, while Entertainment stagnated (0%) as consumers recovered financially from holiday spending.
- March: Patio & Garden led growth (+46%) as warmer weather encouraged outdoor preparations, while Party & Occasions fell (-20%) due to the absence of major celebrations.
- April: Patio & Garden continued to grow (+20%) with spring in full swing, but Video Games declined (-21%) as consumers shifted their focus outdoors.
- May: Patio & Garden surged (+35%) as pre-summer demand for outdoor furniture and tools rose, while Toys & Hobbies lagged (-17%) as interest in indoor activities waned.
- June: Sports & Outdoors climbed (+12%) as summer activities like camping and biking gained popularity, while Party & Occasions dropped (-10%) during a quieter period before July 4th.
- July: Electronics performed well (+18%) thanks to mid-year sales events like Prime Day, while Patio & Garden slipped (-10%) as most outdoor setups are already complete.
- August: Household Essentials rose slightly (+5%) as back-to-school preparations increased demand for cleaning and organizational products. Meanwhile, Patio & Garden experienced a sharper decline (-23%) as summer activities tapered off.
- September: Party & Occasions saw a big lift (+47%) as early Halloween shopping began, but Patio & Garden continued its decline (-17%) with the shift to fall weather.
- October: Party & Occasions spiked dramatically (+66%) with Halloween festivities in full swing, while Patio & Garden declined further (-11%) due to seasonal weather changes.
- November: Video Games skyrocketed (+142%) during Black Friday and holiday shopping, while Party & Occasions dropped (-39%) after Halloween.
- December: Gifts & Registry peaked (+85%) as holiday gifting reached its highest point, while Patio & Garden remained low (-10%) due to winter weather.
Key to Categories: This section lays out how we classify the data.
Apparel: Encompasses clothing, shoes, and accessories for all ages and styles.
Baby: Includes essentials like formula, clothing, pacifiers, and baby care products.
Beauty: Covers makeup, skincare, and beauty tools for various needs.
Electronics: Features TVs, cameras, headphones, and other tech gadgets.
Gifts: Offers gift cards, registry items, and special occasion presents.
Health: Provides OTC medications, vitamins, and wellness supplements.
Home: Includes furniture, bedding, towels, and small household appliances.
Home Improvement: Focuses on tools, wood, paint, and DIY project materials.
Household Essentials: Includes items like laundry detergent, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies.
Party & Occasions: Covers party favors, decorations, and seasonal items like Christmas décor.
Patio & Garden: Features outdoor furniture, plants, gardening tools, and accessories.
Personal Care: Includes hair products, soaps, and hygiene items.
Sports & Outdoors: Offers sports equipment, bicycles, and outdoor gear.
Toys & Hobbies: Covers children’s toys, collectibles, playing cards, and craft supplies.
Video Games: Focuses on gaming consoles, accessories, and video games.
