Key Dates for Ecommerce Brands in 2025

As we kick off the New Year, it’s the ideal time to start thinking ahead about your ecommerce business goals for 2025. 

Whether you're already thinking of gearing up for the hustle and bustle of peak season or planning to make the most of quieter months with targeted promotions, getting organised early can help to set your ecommerce brand up for success. The right timing can make all the difference, and planning ahead will help ensure you're ready for whatever the year throws your way.

To get you started, we've rounded up some of the most important dates that every ecommerce brand should mark in 2025: 

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January

The start of the year is a time of renewal, resolutions, and fresh starts, making it a fantastic opportunity for ecommerce brands to align their strategies with customers’ new-found aspirations.

Dry January (Whole of January)

Dry January encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the month, creating opportunities for brands that sell non-alcoholic beverages or health-focused alternatives. This is also an excellent time for wellness brands to step in.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Highlight non-alcoholic products or alcohol-free recipes in your marketing content.
• Create themed bundles featuring alcohol alternatives like mocktail mixers, herbal teas, or health-boosting drinks.

Veganuary (Whole of January)

Veganuary inspires consumers to adopt a plant-based diet for the month, boosting demand for vegan foods and vegan lifestyle products. This event continues to grow globally, with many participants converting to long-term habits after the month is over.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Promote your plant-based products with educational content such as recipes.
• Partner with influencers in the vegan or sustainable living space to amplify your message.
• Run promotions or offer discounts on vegan ranges.

New Year’s Day (Wednesday 1st January)

Many people focus on self-improvement at the start of the year. Brands offering fitness equipment, healthy foods, or wellness products can attract shoppers that are eager to kickstart their New Year goals. Additionally, some shoppers may be exploring new hobbies, trying out new styles, or investing in self-care routines like skincare or haircare.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Offer discounts on starter kits or beginner bundles to entice new customers.
• Showcase customer testimonials or "before and after" stories to attract resolution-minded shoppers. 

Chinese New Year (Wednesday 29th January) 

Chinese New Year is a significant cultural celebration, marked by gift-giving and festive shopping. Brands that cater to gifting or home decor can see increased demand during this period.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Highlight products suitable for gifts, such as red-themed or luxury items.
• Create limited-edition packaging or offers to tie in with the celebrations.
• Plan ahead to ensure timely delivery for international shoppers celebrating the festival.

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February

From the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day to the fun and food-focused tradition, Pancake Day, February presents unique chances to connect with audiences. As the weather remains chilly, shoppers are eager to treat themselves and their loved ones and ecommerce brands can harness these key moments to enhance customer engagement and boost sales.

Six Nations Championship (Friday 31st January - Saturday 15th March)

The Six Nations Championship, one of the most anticipated rugby tournaments of the year, draws millions of passionate fans across Europe. During this period, sports fans are more engaged and looking for ways to show support for their teams, and many will be looking to buy clothing or decorations in team colours, or hosting watch-parties with food and drinks.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Launch team-specific merchandise or limited-edition product lines to capitalise on fan loyalty.
• Run targeted promotions or discounts timed with key match dates to encourage impulse buys or last-minute purchases.
• Create interactive content on social media, such as quizzes or competitions, to drive engagement and increase visibility during match weekends.

Valentine’s Day (Friday 14th February) 

Valentine’s Day remains a key shopping period, with consumers purchasing gifts, flowers, jewelry, food, and experiences for their loved ones. Brands can also appeal to shoppers who aren’t in a relationship with self-care, friendship and family themes, with alternative events such as ‘Galentine’s’.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Incentivise purchases with discounts or free gift-wrapping services.
• Try creating content such as gift guides, highlighting key products, to share on your social media.

Shrove Tuesday (Tuesday 25th February) 

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, marks the day before Lent begins (Ash Wednesday). Often enjoyed with family or friends, Shrove Tuesday is associated with cooking, eating, and, of course, flipping pancakes. It’s a great opportunity for food-related brands to capitalise on the increased demand for pancake-making essentials, including flour, syrup, toppings, and even cooking tools.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Share engaging recipes or "how-to" videos on social media.
• Run promotions on pancake-making essentials like mixing bowls, frying pans, toppings (e.g. syrups, fruits, and chocolate chips) or other related products, for example, festive tableware.

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March

March ushers in the start of spring – a time for fresh beginnings and seasonal refreshes. Whether it's preparing for special occasions like Mother’s Day or Eid al-Fitr, or embracing spring cleaning, ecommerce brands can tap into this period of renewal with timely offers and relevant products.

Start of Spring (Thursday 20th March)

The spring equinox signals a time of renewal and growth. Many customers look to refresh their homes, wardrobes, and lifestyles, making it an excellent opportunity for brands selling seasonal products.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Promote spring cleaning products or seasonal home decor.
• Highlight new arrivals or collections, especially in fashion and gardening.

Mother’s Day (Sunday 30th March)

Mother’s Day is a major occasion in the UK, with consumers seeking gifts to show appreciation for their mums, grandmothers, and mother figures. Popular products include flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and personalised items.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Create Mother’s Day gift guides, featuring popular gift items for mothers. 
• Offer discounts and last-minute delivery options to capture shoppers.

Eid al-Fitr (Sunday 30th March or Monday 31st March) 

Marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is a celebration where Muslim families and friends come together to give thanks, share meals, and exchange gifts. It’s also a time for reflection and generosity, with many giving to charity or hosting festive gatherings. Many shoppers prepare for this holiday by purchasing gifts, decorations, traditional attire, and food items in the weeks leading up to Eid.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Promote gift sets, especially items suited for family celebrations or personal use.
• Highlight recipes or meal-prep content if you sell food-related items, targeting those preparing for large iftar and Eid gatherings.

Windsor Framework (Monday 31st March) 

One key date to be aware of in March, is the implementation of the Windsor Framework, affecting how parcels are sent between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. You can find out more about the Windsor Framework in our Guide to the Windsor Framework for Ecommerce Brands. 

How ecommerce brands can engage: 

• Review your shipping processes to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
• Update your website and checkout pages to clearly communicate any changes in delivery options for customers in Northern Ireland.
• Collaborate with your shipping provider to streamline processes and minimise disruptions.

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April 

As the spring season continues, consumers’ focus turns to the next key event, Easter. This celebration proves particularly important for those in the confectionary industry, however brands who sell decorations and gifts may also find shoppers who are looking for seasonal items. 

Easter (Sunday 20th April)

While its religious significance remains central, Easter is associated with chocolate eggs, spring-themed treats, and family gatherings. In addition to Good Friday (18th April) and Easter Monday (21st April), the long weekend boosts shopping activity as families prepare for celebrations. Sweet treats, decorations, and seasonal gifts are top sellers during this period. 

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Showcase any Easter-themed or spring-inspired products in your collections, such as chocolate boxes or home decor.
• Run themed campaigns, such as limited-time Easter discounts to engage your audience.
• Publish holiday shipping cut-off dates prominently to manage expectations.

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May

With two Bank Holidays and the promise of warmer days ahead, May is the perfect time to shift your focus toward summer-themed marketing campaigns. It's an ideal opportunity to showcase seasonal products, inspire customers to plan for sunny adventures, and build excitement for the months to come.

Star Wars Day (Saturday, 4th May)

I couldn’t have put together a list of key dates without including this – Tom, our CEO, wouldn’t have allowed it! Star Wars Day is a beloved celebration for sci-fi fans, making it a perfect opportunity to connect with this enthusiastic audience.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Create themed promotions or limited-edition products inspired by Star Wars.
• Share playful Star Wars-inspired content online to boost engagement and showcase your brand’s personality.

May Day Bank Holiday (Monday 5th May)

The 1st of May is May Day, an ancient pagan holiday, and the first Monday after this date is a Bank Holiday in the UK. The Early May Bank Holiday offers a long weekend for relaxation, DIY, and fun. Many customers will be planning staycations, outdoor activities, or shopping for home improvements.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Promote Bank Holiday sales on relevant products, such as garden furniture, BBQ supplies, or staycation essentials.
• Offer free shipping or limited-time discounts to capture last-minute purchases.
• Highlight “Bank Holiday Must-Haves” in your marketing campaigns to help customers prepare for their weekend plans.
  

Eurovision Song Contest (Tuesday 13th - Saturday 17th May)

Eurovision is a global music extravaganza that captivates audiences with its vibrant performances and cultural pride. For ecommerce brands, it’s an opportunity to tap into the excitement with themed campaigns, from selling party essentials to creating Eurovision-inspired content. Engaging with this event can help your brand stand out and connect with customers in a fun and celebratory way.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Curate Eurovision-inspired collections, such as party essentials or snacks for a Eurovision viewing party.
• Share fun social content, like polls to predict the winning country.

Spring Bank Holiday (Monday 26th May)

Marking the unofficial start of summer, the Spring Bank Holiday offers a chance to embrace the warmer weather, enjoy outdoor adventures, and spend quality time with loved ones. For ecommerce brands, it’s an opportunity to promote products that align with seasonal activities, from outdoor essentials and picnic gear to summer fashion and home improvement items, as customers prepare for the summer months ahead.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Promote summer-time products like picnic essentials, outdoor gear, or travel items.
• Launch a “Summer Kick-Off” campaign with discounts on seasonal collections.
• Share content about how to make the most of the long weekend, such as outfit inspiration guides or DIY projects.

June

June marks the official start of summer, offering ecommerce brands a chance to target customers preparing for travel, outdoor adventures, and warm-weather activities. With Father’s Day and the summer solstice, this month is a key time to market summer-ready products.

Pride Month (Whole of June)

Pride Month is a significant occasion for LGBTQ+ celebrations and awareness, observed each June to honor the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. For UK-based ecommerce brands, this month offers a powerful opportunity to showcase inclusivity, diversity, and support for LGBTQ+ communities. 

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Design limited edition Pride-themed products or packaging, donating a portion of the proceeds to LGBTQ+ charities.
• Highlight LGBTQ+ representation in marketing campaigns and social media.
• Create content showcasing inclusivity within your company, such as spotlighting LGBTQ+ team members or sharing your brand’s support for equality.

Father’s Day (Sunday 15th June)

Similarly to Mother’s Day, many consumers will be searching for thoughtful gifts for their fathers, grandfathers, and other father figures. This holiday presents a chance for brands to promote a wide range of products, from practical items to unique, personalised gifts. 

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Curate gift guides tailored to different interests (e.g., tech enthusiasts, foodies, or outdoorsy dads).
• Highlight personalisation options, such as engraved items, photo gifts, or custom packaging.
• Bundle products for easy gift-giving, like a shaving kit paired with a toiletry bag.

Wimbledon (Monday 30th June - Sunday 13th July 13)

The Wimbledon Championships, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, kicks off in late June. This event is celebrated with a mix of athletic excellence and traditional British charm (think strawberries and cream!). Wimbledon presents a great opportunity for food, drink, and lifestyle brands to capitalise on the nation’s love for tennis and summer traditions. Sports retailers and fitness brands can also align their messaging with the tournament.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Promote Wimbledon-inspired products, such as summer party essentials, picnic hampers, or tennis gear.
• Offer discounts on sports and activewear collections during the event.
• Share themed content, like recipes for Wimbledon-inspired treats or social media challenges centered around tennis.

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July

As summer continues, it may be expected that sales begin to slow. However, with the introduction of Amazon Prime Day by major ecommerce marketplace, Amazon, online sales still continue throughout this month. Additionally, summer products such as travel equipment and outdoor activities will continue to experience high sales. 

Amazon Prime Day (Date TBC)

Launched in 2015, Amazon Prime Day is a two-day sale event exclusive to Amazon Prime members. For brands selling on Amazon, this is a prime opportunity to boost visibility and sales. In recent years, some other marketplaces and independent retailers have offered their own sales to compete with Amazon’s event. 

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Ensure your products meet Amazon’s deal requirements and submit offers before the deadlines.
• Optimise your listings with high-quality images and compelling descriptions to stand out in the crowded marketplace.
• If you don’t sell on Amazon, check to see if your marketplace offers an alternative to Prime Day, such as eBay’s ‘eBay Crash Sale’ in 2019. Alternatively, run a sale on your own website to compete for attention.

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August

The school holidays ensure that consumers will be looking to buy summer-related products, such as travel essentials or activities to keep children entertained. And with many experiencing additional downtime on their holidays, a lot of consumers will spend more time scrolling on social media and browsing on online shops. 

Summer School Holidays (Whole of August)

Starting in July and continuing throughout August, the school summer holidays marks a shift in spending as families prepare for holidays, activities, and summer fun. Parents often look for products to keep kids entertained during the long break, including toys, games, and outdoor equipment. Summer travel essentials like luggage, beachwear, and portable tech also see increased demand.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Create summer-focused content, such as a summer fun guide featuring products for kids and families.
• Promote holiday, outdoor and leisure products, for example, picnic supplies, camping gear, or sporting goods.

Summer Bank Holiday (Monday 25th August)

The Summer Bank Holiday marks the unofficial end of summer and is often celebrated with family outings, BBQs, and shopping for last-minute summer deals. Many consumers will be looking for seasonal sales and promotions. Shoppers may also be preparing for back-to-school or planning a final summer celebration.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Host a Summer Bank Holiday sale with discounts on seasonal products.
• Promote final summer clearance deals to make room for autumn inventory.

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September

As autumn approaches, September provides a perfect opportunity for ecommerce brands to promote new collections, autumn products, and back-to-school essentials. The shift in weather and activities encourages shoppers to refresh their wardrobes, homes, and routines for the cooler months ahead.

Back to School

‍As the summer winds down, the back-to-school season kicks off with parents, students, and teachers gearing up for a new academic year. This is a crucial time for ecommerce brands that sell stationery, kids' clothing, backpacks, lunchboxes, and other school-related essentials.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Promote back-to-school bundles, such as on stationery kits, clothing or backpacks, with options that appeal to both parents and children.
• Offer discounts or limited-time deals on educational tools, like planners, calculators, and organizers.

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October

October sees the key event of Halloween taking centre stage, as well as a shift towards preparations for the end of year celebrations that come afterwards. Ecommerce brands have the chance to leverage spooky celebrations, costume shopping, and the anticipation of autumn-themed products to engage customers.

Halloween (Friday 31st October)

All things spooky are in full swing at the end of October. While parents and children will be out trick-or-treating, many others will be hosting Halloween parties or decorating their homes for the season. It's a major occasion for those in the food, fashion, and decor sectors, with a lot of opportunities for ecommerce brands to tap into the Halloween spirit.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Showcase products that align with Halloween themes, such as chocolates, sweets, costumes, party decorations, themed homeware, and spooky decor.
• Post spooky content on your social media and website, like costume inspiration, DIY decorating ideas, or Halloween-themed recipes.

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November

November kicks off the major end-of-year festivities, including the highly anticipated shopping events that retailers and ecommerce brands rely on to boost sales. This is the time to get fully prepared for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, as well as to make the most of the start of peak season and early holiday shopping.

Black Friday (Friday 29th November)

Black Friday remains one of the biggest shopping events of the year, with millions of shoppers hunting for deals across all sectors. It’s not just about discounts, but also about creating excitement around your product offerings.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Create significant discounts or limited-time bundles on best-sellers or seasonal products to attract bargain-hungry shoppers.
• Start building anticipation by counting down to Black Friday with exclusive sneak peeks or early access for loyal customers.
• Ensure your website can handle increased traffic and that checkout is seamless to prevent cart abandonment.

Small Business Saturday (Saturday 30th November)

A day dedicated to supporting local and independent businesses, Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to promote your unique products or services.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Share what makes your business special and why supporting small businesses matters on social media or your website. 
• Partner with other local or small businesses for cross-promotions or collaborative content to boost visibility across both of your audiences.

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December 

As the year wraps up, December brings the final wave of shopping activity, driven by last-minute holiday shopping, festive celebrations, and the rush to get gifts in time for Christmas and New Year’s. It’s a critical time for ecommerce brands to maximise sales with compelling promotions and delivery deadlines.

Cyber Monday (Monday 2nd December)

Cyber Monday is one of the largest online shopping days of the year, and it presents a great opportunity to tap into the early holiday shopping rush with exclusive online deals.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Create irresistible online deals that only apply for Cyber Monday, such as discounts, free shipping, or limited-edition products.
• Run quick, time-limited sales on your most popular items to create urgency and drive conversions.
• Make sure your website and mobile experience are optimised for a smooth shopping journey.

Last Christmas Posting Dates

As the clock ticks down to Christmas, it's crucial to communicate your last Christmas posting dates to ensure customers receive their gifts in time. These deadlines vary by carrier, so it's essential to make sure your audience is aware.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Communicate your final posting dates for Christmas deliveries across your website, social media, and email newsletters.
• Offer express shipping options for those last-minute shoppers who need their gifts delivered quickly.

Christmas Day (Thursday 25th December)

Christmas is the grand finale of the holiday shopping season, with consumers rushing to purchase the perfect gifts for their loved ones, whether they’re looking for toys, fashion, or gadgets.

How ecommerce brands can engage:

• Curate special holiday gift guides by category or price range to help shoppers find the perfect present.
• Provide added value with gift wrapping services, personalised messages, or custom packaging to enhance the shopping experience.
• Run targeted last-minute deals, especially for items that can be delivered quickly.

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Time to mark your calendars

From Dry January to Black Friday – and everything in between – 2025 is filled with key dates and opportunities for your brand to shine. By planning your marketing strategies around key events and seasonal occasions, you can set up your brand for success throughout the year. 

Whether you're navigating busy peak seasons or preparing for holiday rushes, Zenstores makes it easy to manage orders and ship with confidence. Keep your ecommerce business running smoothly year-round — get started with Zenstores today!