Black Friday Trend Predictions 2023; What to Expect and How to Excel

Hello there, I'm Chloe—a passionate and experienced retail brand builder who closely follows market trends. As we head into the festive season, Black Friday is just around the corner. This year, I'm here to break down the copious information you'll encounter in the run-up to Christmas, cutting through the noise to provide you with valuable insights.

How are we in November already? For eCommerce retailers, this means Black Friday is just around the corner. Black Friday, a long-standing American tradition, has been adopted by the UK over the past decade. In recent years, it has become a cornerstone of the British retail calendar. However, Black Friday 2023 will take place against an unaccustomed backdrop; the UK is currently navigating through a harsh cost of living crisis, with inflation rates soaring to unprecedented levels.

Black Friday eCommerce trends

Tightened Wallets and Transformed Priorities

Retailers in the UK are bracing for a Black Friday that looks different from previous years. High energy bills, food prices, and a broad spectrum of inflationary pressures are testing the resilience of British consumers. Amid these challenging times, a day typically associated with consumerism on a grand scale might appear to be ill-timed.

Chloe's Marketing Insight: To address the economic challenges and stand out during Black Friday, focus on crafting compelling brand stories that resonate with your audience while emphasising the unique value and cost-efficiency of your luxury products or experiences.

Extended Black Friday promotions

One trend that’s stuck in recent years is the extension of Black Friday promotions. Deals are no longer confined to a single day; instead, retailers are making the most of the Black Friday hype by stretching the savings over several days or even weeks. This year, we can expect more ecommerce brands to adopt this strategy, offering early-bird discounts and exclusive pre-Black Friday sales to entice shoppers and reduce the strain on logistics and supply chains.

Chloe's Planning Strategy: Start planning your Black Friday campaigns well in advance. Consider extending your promotions over a longer period to capture the attention of your audience and reduce strain on logistics.

Discounts will be bigger than ever before

Unsurprisingly, inflation will play a part in many retailers’ discount strategies as savings are at the top of mind for buyers. A less stable economy means consumers are less willing to part with their money, so discounts will have to be extra tempting to make any purchases feel worth it.

Tip for Smaller Businesses: While offering substantial discounts might not be feasible, consider value-added incentives to entice customers. Offer perks like free shipping, exclusive deals for email subscribers, or bundled product offers to make purchases more appealing. These strategies can help retain existing customers and attract new ones without severely impacting your profit margins.

Personalised shopping experiences

Personalisation is king in ecommerce, and Black Friday 2023 will be no exception. Shoppers are looking for tailored recommendations, exclusive offers, and curated shopping experiences. Ecommerce websites will leverage AI and machine learning algorithms to analyse customer data and serve up personalised product suggestions, creating a more engaging and relevant shopping journey.

Chloe's Personalisation Strategy: Leverage data analytics to offer personalised deals and recommendations to your customers. Tailor your marketing messages based on their preferences and past interactions with your brand.

Mobile shopping dominance

Post-pandemic, more and more consumers are beginning to favour the hybrid shopping model. Retailers who operate both ecommerce and brick-and-mortar stores should pay attention and ensure their Black Friday strategy offers a seamless experience across all channels. Mobile commerce continues to gain ground, and Black Friday 2023 will see an even greater shift towards mobile shopping. Retailers must optimise their websites and apps for mobile devices to accommodate the growing number of consumers who prefer shopping on their smartphones and tablets. Additionally, offering mobile-exclusive promotions and seamless mobile payment options will be crucial for success.

Chloe's Mobile-First Approach: Ensure your website and marketing materials are optimised for mobile devices. Mobile shopping is on the rise, and a seamless mobile experience is essential for capturing sales.

Social commerce integration

Social media platforms have become powerful tools for ecommerce, and this trend will intensify over the coming months. Retailers will leverage social commerce features, such as shoppable posts and live streaming, to engage with customers directly on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Chloe's Social Media Marketing Tip: Leverage the power of social commerce to connect with your audience on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Create engaging and informative content that drives interest and conversions. If you're looking for expert guidance on crafting compelling social media content, reach out to us or browse our services for valuable insights.

Sustainable shopping

Sustainability is a driving force in consumer behaviour, and shoppers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and ethically sourced products. Expect to see more retailers highlighting their environmentally friendly practices and offering discounts on sustainable products during Black Friday.

Chloe's Sustainable Branding: Showcase your brand's commitment to sustainability. Highlight eco-friendly products, sustainable practices, and charitable initiatives during Black Friday to appeal to conscious consumers.

As we gear up for Black Friday 2023, it's clear that this year's shopping landscape will be unique and challenging. To ensure your luxury lifestyle brand thrives during this holiday season, consider these trend predictions as your guide.

The Brand Muse is delighted to unveil an exclusive offer to amplify your brand's voice during the busiest shopping season. Book any of our content marketing services this November and save 10%, plus enjoy additional perks designed to make your brand's festive season content unforgettable. Seize this opportunity to captivate your audience with conversational and conversion-focused content, done for you each month.

Get in touch today and let's make 2024 your most successful year yet.

With all our creative love,

Disclaimer: All predictions are based on current industry trends and economic conditions and are subject to change.