If you look around, you might notice that Christmas items are appearing on store shelves earlier than usual this year. And customers are snatching them up like hotcakes at a breakfast buffet. So, what gives? Simply put, it’s 2020. And like everything else, the holiday season is going to be a bit different this year.
How Will 2020 Be Different?
Did you really just ask that? OK… There are a number of reasons why this holiday season will be unique.
- For starters, many consumers are spreading their shopping out over a longer period this year to avoid the social distancing nightmare that the traditional Christmas rush is sure to pose.
- After enduring wiped shelves and toilet paper shortages earlier this year, many shoppers are afraid that stores will be out of stock for what they need by the time December rolls around.
- Finally — and most importantly — carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and USPS are moving up their “get it by Christmas” shipping cutoff dates. This is a smart move, actually. If this year’s buying trends hold, holiday shoppers will likely opt out of in-person shopping altogether and turn to online retailers, which is guaranteed to stress an already overstressed delivery system.
You might wonder why we are telling you all this. It’s simple. Sweetwater has your back — always has, always will. We want you to get what you want, and get it in time, no differently than we want to get the presents we want. Be it a guitar, drums, or DJ gear, we want you to experience the joy of watching your favorite musician open his or her shiny new gift on Christmas morning, rather than the shame you’ll feel when your musician reads a card with a well-intentioned “I.O.U.” written inside.
Let’s recap: Stores are already stocking up for the holidays, which could result in items being out of stock by December. Shoppers are turning to online retailers in order to avoid the Christmas rush germfest, which is putting stress on FedEx, UPS, and USPS. In response, carriers are moving up their shipping cutoff dates. So, if you have a special gift in mind for the musician in your life, run — don’t walk — to your phone and call your Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. Otherwise, you may be disappointed by late arrival times and have a very disappointed musician this holiday season. Order soon and avoid the rush.