Find Out What’s in Highest Demand During Panic Week
The holiday season is in full swing, and ecommerce retailers need to be prepared for the mad dash to squeeze in every online order before Christmas Day. In this analysis, we help internet retailers prepare by highlighting some of the most noteworthy patterns in U.S. consumer behavior during Panic Week. We’ll cover:
- Onesies for the Win: Boy’s Novelty One-Piece Pajamas in Highest Demand
- Stockings for Stuffing: Panic Week Reminds Shoppers to Deck the Halls
- High Demand for Sports Video Games
- Electronics & Computers Insights: Mobile & PC VR Headsets See Highest Demand
- How to Prep Your Online Shop for Panic Week
No matter how early you start your holiday shopping, there’s something about the final days leading up to Christmas that triggers panic deep within us. Did I remember to get a gift for my neighbor’s cat? Is there still time to order the latest VR headset for my recluse teenager? Oh shoot — the lights just went out on the tree…
These final “panic” moments are entirely natural, and, as a result, online retailers can expect an uptick in consumer demand. To help ecommerce shops prepare, we’ve provided a comprehensive summary of which products see a spike in demand and which products consumers are searching for most during the final week leading up to Christmas Day.
Onesies for the Win: Boys’ Novelty One-Piece Pajamas in Highest Demand
It turns out Ralphie won’t be the only child to open a box of onesie pajamas. According to our analysis, boys’ novelty one-piece pajamas see the highest spike in demand during the week leading up to Christmas. In fact, boys’ onesie pajamas saw a 398% and 393% increase in demand when compared to the annual average for 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Along with boys’ onesies, women’s novelty one-piece pajamas also see a spike in demand during this time. Demand for women’s onesie pajamas rose 139% above the annual average for 2020 and 142% above the annual average for 2021. Perhaps there are some mother-son Christmas Story style memories in the making here.
Along with onesie pajamas, there were also noteworthy demand spikes for women’s socks, girls’ rings, and women’s rings. In 2020, demand for these items rose 121%, 106%, and 93% above the annual average, respectively. Demand for women’s socks rose 150% above the average for 2021 while both women’s and girls’ rings each saw a 42% spike in demand above the annual average. Since small items like socks and jewelry make perfect stocking stuffers, it makes sense that these items would experience increased demand in the days leading up to Christmas.
Stockings for Stuffing: Panic Week Reminds Shoppers to Deck the Halls
These days, shoppers aren’t just scrambling to stuff their stockings — they’re waiting until the last minute to buy them altogether. According to our analysis, demand for Christmas stockings and holders is the highest compared to all other items within the Home, Decor & Kitchen category during Panic Week 2020 and 2021.
Along with stockings, there is also a significant rise in demand for both Christmas ornaments and tree toppers during Panic Week. Demand for ornaments rose 110% above the annual average for 2020. In 2021, demand spiked again at 96% above average.
The same story is told for Christmas tree toppers: During Panic Week 2020, demand rose 66% above the annual average while Panic Week 2021 saw a 60% increase in demand over the average.
High Demand for Sports Video Games
Within the Video Games category, we discovered sports fan video games and accessories saw the highest increased demand during Panic Week. In fact, sports fan video games saw the highest demand all year during the weeks leading up to Christmas when compared to the annual average for both 2020 and 2021. Demand soared to 207% above the annual average for 2020, and in 2021, it reached 192% above the annual average.
On what consoles will these video games be played? The answer to this question appears connected to what’s happening in the gaming world. In our recent analysis on what factors impacted consumer demand for video games from 2020 – 2021, we illustrated how shoppers are heavily influenced by updates within the gaming industry. When evaluating consumer behaviors during Panic Week in 2020 and 2021, we can see these same trends emerge.
For example, 2020 marked the release of the Xbox Series X console. Consequently, demand for Xbox Consoles and Xbox Series X Consoles rose 87% and 77% above the annual average during Panic Week 2020. In 2021, however, Nintendo DS games, consoles, and accessories saw a 85% spike in demand during Panic Week. This was probably due to the fact that Nintendo saw many significant game releases for the 3DS in 2021, including Metroid Dread, Super Mario 3D World, and Mario Party Superstars.
Electronics & Computers Insights: Mobile & PC VR Headsets See Highest Demand
Virtual reality has taken over the digital landscape as evidenced by U.S. shopping behavior on Amazon. Cell phone virtual reality headsets saw the highest increased demand at 153% above the annual average for 2020 and 144% above the annual average for 2021.
Likewise, PC virtual reality headsets saw the highest increased demand during Panic Week. In 2020, demand rose to 125% above the annual average, and in 2021, demand increased to 144% above the annual average.
How to Prep Your Online Shop for Panic Week
Online retailers will need to prepare their shops differently according to their specific industry. We’ve outlined the top takeaways for ecommerce shop managers as they work to satisfy customers during the holiday chaos:
- Clothing & Jewelry: Boys’ and women’s onesies see the highest increased demand during Panic Week, with women’s socks, rings, and girl’s rings also high on the priority list for last-minute shoppers. Be sure to have pajamas and jewelry in-stock during this time, and market to customers accordingly to keep the most wanted products within easy reach.
- Home, Decor & Kitchen: Christmas stockings and holders, ornaments, and tree toppers are in the highest demand during Panic Week. Be sure you have these products in-stock for the scrambling decorators shopping for these items.
- Video Game Products: Sports fan video games see the highest demand all year during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Now is a great time to generate promotional materials for these products. Since demand for gaming consoles appears connected to updates within the industry, it will be imperative for game shops to keep their fingers on the pulse of what’s happening so they can anticipate their customers’ changing needs.
- Electronics & Computers: Virtual reality headsets and accessories are a hot commodity for both mobile and PC users. Give customers access to the metaverse this Christmas by keeping these items in stock during times of peak demand.
If you’re looking to reach your target consumer using insights like these, Pattern can help. Contact us online to request a demo today.
