Best Optimal Time to Launch an Online Store

The e-commerce market is thriving in the United States, with estimated online sales totaling $268.1 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

But when is the demand at its highest, and what is the optimal time to open your online store?

A study by Wix.com analyzed monthly search data for top online stores across five major retail sectors in the United States to determine which months had the highest demand. This analysis revealed the best months to launch an online store and provided expert advice for a successful start.

Key Findings to Launch an Online Store

1. November: The Optimal Month

   • Highest Demand: November is the best month to open an online store, with searches for top brands increasing by over 30% from October to November.

   • Festive Shopping: Black Friday and Christmas shopping significantly boost online searches, making November and December peak months for eCommerce.

   • Close Second: December follows closely, with only a 2% drop in searches compared to November.

2. February: The Least Favorable Month

   • Lowest Demand: February sees the lowest number of searches, suggesting it is the worst month to launch an online store.

   • October: Similarly, October also sees low search volumes, making it another less optimal time.

3. Sector and Brand Variations

   • Home Stores: May is the best month for home stores, with searches peaking during this time. For instance, Home Depot and Lowe’s see significant increases in the late spring/early summer.

   • Tech Sector: Generally, tech stores follow the November and December trend. However, Apple deviates, with searches peaking in September due to new product launches.

   • Fashion Retailers: Some fashion brands like ASOS peak in April, while December is surprisingly the month with the lowest searches for them.

4. Black Friday and Christmas Impact

   • Significant Peaks: Stores known for Black Friday deals and popular Christmas shopping destinations, like Best Buy and Macy’s, experience the highest search volumes in November and December.

   • Festive Shopping: Bath and Body Works, a notable festive shopping location, sees average monthly searches over 150% higher in November and December compared to other months.

Expert Advice from Wix.com

1. Know Your Target Audience and Market

   • Understand Behavior and Needs: Knowing your audience is crucial for making informed decisions about product design, marketing strategies, and website experience.

   • Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to identify your audience’s preferences and trends.

2. Decide What to Sell

   • Product Selection: Use your knowledge of the market to decide on products. Consider popular items, untapped markets, and current trends.

   • Practical Factors: Evaluate manufacturing, profit margins, legal restrictions, and shipping logistics.

3. Create Your Store

   • eCommerce Platform: Choose a platform that offers the necessary features, scalability, and security. Consider partnering with a dropshipper and connecting a payment provider.

4. Build Your Brand

   • Brand Identity: Develop a strong brand identity with a unique name, logo, typography, color palette, and tone of voice.

   • Domain Registration: Register an appropriate domain name to establish your online presence.

5. Design Your Online Store

   • Consistent Branding: Ensure your store design is consistent with your brand identity and optimized for sales.

   • Marketing Strategies: Implement effective marketing strategies to create awareness and drive traffic to your store.

By understanding the market dynamics and following expert advice, you can strategically plan the launch of your online store for maximum impact and success.