The holiday shopping season is a critical time for retailers, with Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) being the biggest shopping weekend of the year. In 2018, BFCM brought in over $1.5 billion in sales, making it a record-breaking year for online shopping. This blog post will analyze the key trends and insights from the 2018 BFCM weekend.
The Rise of Mobile Shopping
Mobile shopping continues to grow in popularity, with 67% of BFCM sales coming from mobile devices. Consumers are using their smartphones to browse and purchase products more than ever before, highlighting the importance of mobile optimization for retailers.
The Dominance of Amazon
Amazon remains the dominant player in the online retail space, accounting for 30% of all BFCM sales. Its success can be attributed to its Prime membership program, which offers free shipping and exclusive deals to its members.
Social Media Influence
Social media played a significant role in driving sales during BFCM, with 29% of shoppers saying they made a purchase based on a social media recommendation. This highlights the importance of social media marketing for retailers and the power of influencers in driving sales.
The Power of Email Marketing
Email marketing remains a powerful tool for retailers, with 24% of BFCM sales coming from email campaigns. Retailers that offered exclusive deals and promotions to their email subscribers saw a significant boost in sales.
The Importance of Customer Service
Customer service remains a crucial factor in driving sales, with 51% of shoppers saying they would not make a purchase if they had a negative experience with customer service. Retailers that prioritize customer service and offer a seamless shopping experience are more likely to retain customers and drive repeat business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2018 BFCM weekend was a record-breaking year for online shopping, with key trends and insights emerging. Retailers that prioritize mobile optimization, social media marketing, email campaigns, and customer service are more likely to drive sales and retain customers during the holiday shopping season. By analyzing these trends, retailers can develop strategies to optimize their online presence and capitalize on the next BFCM weekend.
