Q1 shopping holidays in 2023

It’s easy to forget the Q1 shopping holidays as they come hot on the heels of the craziness that is Q4. Even though you’re in the midst of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas it’s important to plan for the new year, create banners for Valentine’s Day, and secure placements for Mother’s Day. 

Here are a couple of our favorites and ideas for celebrating:

Lunar New Year – you might be familiar with Chinese New Year but did you know that Lunar New Year is celebrated globally, by cultures whose calendars are based on moon cycles? Lunar New Year is a great opportunity to expand your partner base and team up with new affiliates and influencers who are celebrating. Did you know that 2023 is the year of the rabbit?

Valentine’s Day – an oldie but a goodie! Originally a Christian feast day, now it’s recognized worldwide as the day to treat the one that you love. In 2022, according to the National Retail Federation, those celebrating planned on spending an average of  $175.41, with candy, flowers, and jewelry ranking in the top five gifts. 

International Day of Happiness – created in 2012 by the United Nations with the goal of making peoples’ lives happier by eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and protecting the planet. This is the perfect time of year to join forces with a charity or partner promoting giving back.

Mother’s Day UK – in most countries Mother’s Day is celebrated in May, but in the UK Mother’s Day is three weeks before Easter. For international brands, remember to reach out to your UK affiliate and influencers early, come January they’ll already be preparing for Mother’s Day. 

The ever-growing calendar of shopping holidays is a great opportunity to find events that fit with your brand’s identity and the causes that resonate with your partners. Have we missed any great Q1 shopping holidays? How do you plan your events calendar? Do you recruit partners for special events? Let us know in the comments below.