eRank’s team brings you the latest insights on trends and industry news tailored to help your e-commerce business grow. Here’s a roundup of recent updates packed with valuable tips and emerging patterns to keep on your radar.
Early Black Friday: Why Brands Are Offering Deals Sooner
With half of consumers planning to buy fewer items this holiday season and 95% hunting for the best possible deals. Brands are offering Black Friday-style discounts earlier than ever. This strategy creates a sense of urgency and limited availability, encouraging shoppers to make a decision more quickly. At the same time it caters to a growing demand for value, personalization, and sustainability.
Rather than centering efforts on one “biggest sale of the year,” many businesses are extending deals over a longer period. They’re also focusing on curated and thoughtful promotions that resonate with conscious consumers.
What It Means for Consumers:
These early deals give shoppers more time to find the right gifts and avoid the chaos of Black Friday. It also allows them to support brands that align with their values. This includes brands that emphasize personalized experiences and sustainable practices.
Read our blog post: Should You Start Your Black Friday Sales Now?
Source: WGSN
Redefining Retail Calendars: The Future of Sales Cycles
The traditional retail calendar is undergoing a dramatic transformation, as highlighted in WGSN’s Future Consumer 2026 report. Conventional sales events like Black Friday and January clearances are giving way to more flexible and consumer-driven schedules. In the coming years, retailers will increasingly shift to offering year-round deals. Personalized promotions, and exclusive drops will cater to evolving consumer habits. Shoppers now value convenience, sustainability, and spontaneity over rigid seasonal structures. This shift is prompting brands to rethink how and when they engage their audiences.
For e-commerce sellers, this means adapting strategies to stay relevant. By leveraging AI-driven insights, creating limited-time experiences, and fostering a sense of immediacy, e-commerce sellers can align with these emerging consumer expectations.
Source: WGSN
Witchy Autumn: A Seasonal Aesthetic Shift on TikTok
Social media has embraced the “witchy” autumn aesthetic. Hashtags like #Whimsigoth and #Witchy are amassing millions of views on TikTok. Retailers are repositioning goth-inspired collections to align with this seasonal trend. They use darker colors, mystical motifs, and earthy textures.
For brands, this is a reminder of the power of social media in driving seasonal trends. Staying attuned to online conversations can help businesses connect with audiences in real-time.
Explore “witch” search term on TikTok using eRank’s Keyword Tool and discover witch aesthetic outfits directly on TikTok.
Gen Z’s Winter Arc: A Season of Self-Improvement
As highlighted in Pion’s article, Gen Z is redefining the colder months as a period for self-improvement and personal growth. Rather than succumbing to winter blues, this generation views the season as an opportunity to reset and prioritize their well-being. They are embracing introspection and self-care routines, exploring creative outlets and skill development. Gen Z is turning winter into a transformative arc of their year.
For brands, this trend presents an opportunity to align with values of mindfulness, self-expression, and personal growth. By offering products such as wellness kits, educational tools, or creative experiences, businesses can meet a growing consumer demand. These offerings allow brands to build stronger, more meaningful connections with their audience. As this generation seeks to thrive year-round, such products hold significant appeal and relevance.
Source: wearepion
Google’s New Shopping Experience: A Game Changer for E-Commerce
Google’s revamped shopping experience is reshaping how consumers discover and buy products. The new tools promise a more personalized journey for shoppers with AI-driven recommendations, price tracking, and better search capabilities.
For e-commerce businesses, this presents a valuable opportunity to increase visibility. By optimizing products for Google’s algorithms and enhancing conversion rates, small businesses can attract more traffic. Staying up-to-date with these changes is essential for brands to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Connect your shop to Google Analytics with eRank! Discover the keywords driving traffic to your shop and gain actionable insights to improve your organic visibility. Learn how to integrate Google Analytics.
Source: Google
Conclusion
Consumer habits are constantly evolving, driven by economic, social, and technological changes. Early Black Friday deals, the rise of the “witchy” aesthetic, and Google’s new shopping experience all highlight the importance of adapting to emerging trends.
By aligning with these patterns, e-commerce businesses can position themselves as forward-thinking while fostering deeper connections with their customers. As we approach the end of 2024, staying attuned to consumer behavior will be key to turning trends into opportunities for growth.
