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Story by
lsagar,
marymary
Published on October 7, 2009 in How-To |
Photo by |
It's that time again, and those of us behind the scenes at Etsy would like to share our merchandising plans for November. As we continue to plan Etsy’s calendar for the year ahead with thematic merchandising, we will be incorporating many of the concepts you shared in response to October's report and continue to welcome your input. It is our goal to create a healthy balance between promotions for traditional holidays, seasonal changes, and lifestyle trends.
Stay Engaged in November
November marks a seasonal transition from the harvest into the cooler winter holiday season. Our critical merchandising focus this month will center around the holiday gift-giving season. Below you will find the extended list of topics we'll be looking to highlight throughout the month of November. We're looking for your creative interpretation and spin on each of the upcoming seasonal themes.
- Dia de los Muertos: bright colors, skulls, international motifs, and party decor.
- Seasonal, harvest, holiday, and winter home decor: candles, baskets, furniture, tabletop, quilts, blankets, pillows, storage solutions, rugs, windows, lighting, bedding, and bath.
- Items made from or incorporating rich and raw sturdy fabrics, fibers, and yarns: cashmere, industrial felt, silk, raw silk, wool, burlap, and canvas.
- Autumn and winter entertaining leading up to Thanksgiving: creative and unique tabletop accoutrement, dinnerware, glassware and bar, table linens, food for your feast, centerpieces, invitations, menus, and hostess gifts.
- Winter fashion: warm layers, boots, bags, accessories, jewelry, legwear, and emerging industry trends.
- Autumn and winter weddings: attire, decor, invitations, favors, and gift ideas.
- Holiday gift-giving: mothers, fathers, teens, children, coworkers, friends, the person who has everything, the host or hostess, pets, personalized and custom gift options, stocking stuffers. November is your time to shine with items that would make great gifts. Plan ahead and be sure to include why your item makes a great gift and who it might be for in the item description.
- Paper goods: holiday card sets, thank you card sets, invitations, 2010 calendars, gift tags, and favors.
- Cyber Monday: Cyber Monday is a shopping occasion gaining a reputation as the best day of the year to find sales while shopping online. We'll be hosting a special Cyber Monday promotion November 30 for sellers interested in participating. Stay tuned for details as we get closer to November including how to participate as a seller.
- November trends: woodland, tribal, wintry motifs, metallics, winter hues of gem tones, reds, whites, silvers, greens, and blues. Vintage objects repurposed into decor and storage solutions along with eco-friendly options are topping the trends this season.
- Citrine is November's birthstone, and November's astrological signs are Scorpio and Sagittarius (October 24 - November 22: Scorpio and November 23 - December 21: Sagittarius).
- Promotional Opportunities for Sellers:
- In preparation for our citrine Gift Guide, we will be looking for community suggestions and nominations for what items you'd like to see in the guide. Suggest your favorite citrine-related items in this nomination thread.
- Stay tuned to the How-To section of The Storque for promotional opportunities through November.
If you make items that would fit well with the themes outlined, try stocking up and listing them in advance to take advantage of potential shipping deadlines and on site features. Do you already have items in your shop that meld well? That's great! Now it's time to revisit those items to make sure your tags, titles, and descriptions reflect keywords shoppers might be looking for this time of year. This is also a great opportunity to revamp your item photography with a new look, if you think they need some work. Check out some great how-to's for item photography to get started.
If your items fall under the main thematic categories we'll be highlighting this month, it might be a great time to consider purchasing a spot in a Category Showcase. For those of you who enjoy making Treasuries, we'll be looking to highlight lists that interpret October and November's themes in a creative and cohesive way, as well as the many innovative and beautiful collections that we normally feature.Upcoming Dates to Remember:
- November is known as Real Jewelry Month, Peanut Butter Lovers Month, and Aviation History Month.
- November 1: Dia de los Muertos
- November 1: All Saints' Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
- November 16: Button Day
- November 20: Twilight, New Moon Movie Premiere
- November 26: Thanksgiving (Canadian Thanksgiving is October 12)
- November 27: Black Friday
- November 30: Cyber Monday
Do you have a date to remember that you don't see on the list? Let us know in the comments section below. We are currently working toward incorporating a more detailed calendar of international holidays into Etsy's thematic merchandising plans, so we're eager to hear which dates you would like to see included.
We’d like to hear from you!
We appreciate your support and look forward to your feedback and suggestions in the comments section below.
227 comments Login to add your own!
madebysam
great !!!! I SO EXCITING THE READ THE ARTICLE .HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR IT EVERYDAY.
steinschmuckdesign
Fantastic,
thank you very much for
all the informations!!
HibouCards
cool picks, thanks for the info too :) I can't believe either Itsastich! Halloweeb is right around the corner and from there Xmas is just a mile away!
Love fall!
hypothesis
We are so excited for the upcoming seasons! We can't wait to see what everyone creates.
walkthetalk
Etsy Admin ROCKS!! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the success of your sellers and the Etsy community. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! being an Etsy seller!
lavenderrabbit
Thanks for the information! Looking forward to the next season.
truLuxe
I always learn something here... Who knew it was Peanut Butter Lovers Month? I think I should see if my Potato acorns match the Jiffy in the pantry!
swanmountainsoaps
Awesome! Thank you Etsy! I appreciate it so much that you guys are getting ahead of the game on merchandising and holidays. Great job!
4TheSparrowsNest
This is SUCH an exciting time of the year and I think we are all gearing up for the holidays!!!
ovgilliesdesigns
Cool picks & thanks a lot for the heads up on November specials!
HoneysuckleLane
I'm already on and have items in the works! :)
Thanks for such a detailed article!
BellaLunaCrafts
Thanks for the heads up and reminders about merchandising tips! It's always appreciated!
SimpleJoysPaperie
After reading this part of your report:
"Keep abreast of the October seasonal themes, holidays, dates to remember..."
I couldn't help but remind you that October is also
Breast Cancer Awareness Month. :)
fernfiddlehead
Gearing up for the holiday season here! Thanks for the tips.
lovelygifts
Thanks for the info on upcoming events. Already thinking of items : )
baconsquarefarm
Thanks for the info, getting ready for the holidays, again appreciate the tips.
workingforpeanuts
Not sure we like the idea of Peanut Butter Lover's Month! We are Peanut Lovers!
tippystockton
Thanks for the heads up. As this is my first year of really selling on ETSY, I need to infuse these great ideas into my business plan for the holiday season.
Let the shopping begin . . .
TheGreyHorse
November is also National Novel Writers Month. I think a lot of book & journal sellers could use this to their advantage.
mentalembellisher
Oooh! thanks for all those hot tips, love the tribal idea and Black Friday is pretty inspiring too...itching to get creating now!
zafran
Hi Isagar and MaryMary
Thank you so much for these hot news and infos.
What I've been missing is "dressing up". With all the feasts and partys coming up people might be looking for some festive outfits and accessorys. Any plans for these themes yet?
ArtsOfTheOzarks
There's so much to learn! :-) Thanks so much for the info!
BlackStar
I always look forward to this article. Thanks for keeping us informed. I am looking forward to another holiday season on Etsy!
shannonbatescreates
Great information, thanks! I'm excited for this season... :)
michon
thanks - taking notes :) Will be making citrine earrings this week!
YellowViolet
Always interested in hearing from the Merchandising Desk. Have to go plan out some new things!
rozzie
Thanks for the tips and information, Citrine is one of my favourite stones too!
girltuesdayjewelry
Great things to keep in mind. I have some new ideas brewing!!!
wildcatdesigns
I'd like to add to the dates to remember:
30th November is St.Andrew's Day, the patron saint of Scotland :)
FruitionJewelry
Thank you Etsy Admin. for all your hard work and great info!
TheJoyofColor
Thanks for the great advice, lots of work in front of me
and probably lots of fun making new items
breadandroses
Timely tips and reminders like this are much appreciated! Winter & the holidays are fast approaching. In the vein of 'Vintage objects repurposed into decor and storage solutions along with eco-friendly options':
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
StelmaDesigns
Just the mere mention of Holidays makes me get a little stressed! Well, in a good way that is!
buygollymissmolly
Thank you for the heads up- got me thinking of how my vintage goodies can fit in the mix!
jbeaudet
Thanks for the info, I'm trying to think how my oil paintings might fit with the themes :)
lalunedesigns
While I know some people think it's ridiculous to even mention, thanks for noting the New Moon premiere. It's about to be a very busy time for me!
opendoorstudio
Cant wait to begin the NOvember promotions. I just love that you provide these great suggestions.
surfandsand
I always look forward to the monthly merchandizing article for inspiration.Thanks so much!
LauraLoveLee
November is looking really exciting. I love the holiday season and am feeling really inspired now! Thanks
BeeDazzlesGifts
how fun! and thanks for the inspiration to finalize designs SOON for holiday card assortments, gift tags and favors in my shop. Also, would love to know if Etsy is going to do something fun for "Button Day" (and are pocket mirrors included in this since they're made on button machines??) :)
shopgoodgrace
Grateful for the heads up. :) Thanks for publishing these merchandising calendars.
UniKadesigns
Nice!
November is also peanut butter lovers' month
November 3 is sandwitch day.
Cliche' Day ( Also,November 3)
ohdanger
Good luck to everyone gearing up for crazy holiday sales! I'm pretty new to selling on Etsy so I'm just trying to get sales period, nevermind boosting them for Christmas, ha!
Great picks in this article though! This is one of my favorite times of year!
That70sShoppe
Thanks for the heads up. The holiday shopping season will be here before we know it.
chocolateandsteel
don't forget the alternative birthstone for November - yellow topaz
Thanks for the inspirational kick in the pants:)
gretchenvoneberstein
Dia de los Muertos is right up my design style so I'll be working on some new pieces to include in that and I can't wait to to try my first sale on Etsy with Cyber Monday.
Thank you for all the detailed information.
-Gretchen
thefuzzymonkey
thanks for the tips, i always love reading these, they give me so many ideas!
wristielove
so awesome of you to help us stay ahead of the game! thx isagar & mary!
QuercusSilver
loads to think about. and a busy busy season to look forward to.
shopkim
I had no idea there was such a thing as Button Day! That just made me so happy. Sounds like a perfect day for a sale!
valeasc
Thanks so much for this! very useful! Will follow your tips, fingers crossed! haven't sold anything yet but I don't want to give up, it's too much fun!xx
BellaStoryBands
So glad the admin will be including the New Moon premire! I have a Twilight collection in my shop, time for some tw-marketing!
BettySueVintage
Being pretty new to Etsy this is the first time I've seen this type of message! I'm so pleased to see the trends and can't wait to find a way to scavenger for lots of vintage finds that match those trends (most already do!!). Thanks!
atomicblue
I love it. I'd love to see more snuggly yarn made objects. Not that I'm biased...though the cooler weather really makes me want to knit more!
I'd love a knitting feature, let's get the guys involved. Knitting men? Yep!
WickedDarling
Love this time of the year! Thanks for the great information!
southpawstudios
I am really loving this merchasing guide, very informative and a wealth of knowledge on what is going on all things etsy.
i create a month todo list from these little tid bits of information, so it is just great, keep em coming.
mrYen
i love these, loads to do and i cant wait to start creating new papercuts!
FransButtonCorner
Ohmygosh! There's a Button Day!? I've died and gone to heaven! Thanks, Etsy folks, for all you do. You all rock!
InnovationsByAshley
Great trend tips! Love the wine rack and the red colors! Beautiful!
Serrelynda
These monthly guides are so inspiring! Thank you. I am already browsing and marking Holiday gifts for friends and family (and me) from fellow Etsians.
Waterrose
Good information to know....now I just need a few more hands to create and market...lol
littleyellowyarrow
MMMMMMmmmmm, autumn and winter! Always so nice and helpful to read so many tips. thank you!
AlliesAdornments
Every day is November 16th, button day for me!
Whooo eeeee!
sleepyking
I got my notepad and pen out. Great ideas! Thanks for the tips and advice. Looking forward to my 1st Etsy holiday season!!
JenSanCandles
Hi Isagar and MaryMary,
November 5 is Guy Fawkes Day in England. I'm from the islands and the holiday is celebrated there and in other former British colonies around the world.
LemonLollipop
Thank you very much for a terrific article! I love to know the trends so I can adjust my listings!
Osier
November 4th is Melbourne Cup day in Australia, the biggest horse racing event of the year! Lots of feather facinators, horse items and lucky bets!
peartreelane
oh so exciting really lookinf forward to my first Etsy holiday season.
StellaPesci
Thanks for all the great tips and articles. ( I also appreciate being included in the October "Opal" Gift Guide...thank you, I've gotten a lot of new viewers!)
BrinandNohl
This is all so useful... I will pass it along, too. Thanks so much for the heads-up. Cheers.
VictoriousVixen
Dia de los muertos is actually on NOVEMBER 2nd! I only remember that because it's my birthday! =)
Maari
Thanks for the tips! It is Father's Day in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Estonia on November 8th. I think Dads are really hard to buy for and I'm looking for your Father's Day Gift ideas in the following forum post:
BettyBee
Thanks for the dates to remember! Sometimes we're just focused on the "major" holidays :)
tractorgirl
fantastic info, so much to think about, and MAKE!!! looking forward to cosy couch season ...gogirlgo!
EdensWake
such great info...i love that i discovered these articles a few months ago, so helpful! Thanks!
rikrak
gorgeous!
so many thanks for including my eco stockings, nicies!
thanks!
toolisjewelry
Thanks for all the wonderful ideas, I have a lot of work now :)
Happy November everyone!!
anne4bags
Thanks for this. Melbourne Cup Day (Melbourne, Australia) is the first Tuesday in November. Lots of fascinators, fashion and fancy hats! Remember that in the Southern Hemisphere we are heading into summer! Happy November, where ever you are!
PhineasandLou
These are great! I was looking for sweaters under winter fashion *hint, hint*. I can't wait to see all the beautiful items that are inspired by November's themes :)
jstinson
November is National Native American Month. Since there are almost 5000 Native American items on Etsy, it would be nice to see this added to your November to your marketing plan.
invernessstudios
Thanks. Always great to know the plans for the upcoming season. -D-
JessicaDoyle
Yes, "Citrine" is November's birthstone but the word "Topaz" is more widely used. It's the only word I've ever used come to think of it and the only word people I know have ever used to describe November's Birthstone. I was born in November ;)
VeronicaRStudio
That is right, Dia de los Muertos is November 2nd, and it is a huge deal here in Mexico!
And I love Citrine! One of my favorite gemstones! :)
BlondiesVintage
Great list of ideas! Also curious to hear more about button day??
SASessories
November is 'Real Jewelry Month'...
what does that mean?
and also are we going to be 'cued' in on the plans for November weekend deal themes?
luckypups
Button day seems fun!
I have two dog bowls with buttons :)
menageriehandmade
Spring in Australia! and that means the Spring Racing carnival, with hats and fascinators and pretty frocks :)
happyhound
Thank you Isagar & Mary Mary!
This is my first Christmas selling on Etsy and I appreciate your sharing your Holiday direction.
♥
cherylspurplecow
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. I would love to get together with other shops that have Awareness Items to plan something.
opheliasapothecary
love the updates! thanks....another theme that runs rampant now, that i would love to see here, is pampering yourself at the holidays so that you can 'take care of the caregiver'....a reminder to rest and restore during a crammed social calender!
ittybittybag
Great stuff!
Thanks again...hoping this holiday season is a merry one!
southpawstudios
i cant say enough how great these merchandising articles are. I read it from top to bottom each month and plan appropriately. they are just rich in content.
thank you for taking the time to write it and share it ;) it makes us sellers very happy
-katy at southpawstudios.etsy.com
virginiawyoming
Yes, a bit of remodeling in my shop would be good about now. Thanks for the boost. Virginia
OakleyArtHouse
yes, this does make sense! I'll be looking to turn my vintage twist into a sale this month. I mean, if it doesn't happen this month, then gosh...I'll rethink things.
revelry
Great post! I've had my Thanksgiving table accoutrements up for a while now and getting good traffic. But will definitely revisit the tags to make sure they are in line. Thanks!
FirstStepPhoto
Thank you for the tips! Can't believe Christmas is right around the corner!
SepiaSmiles
Thanks for info!
Another date for the international diary is Guy Fawkes Night also know as Bonfire Night here in the UK on the 5th November. It marks the downfall of the Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605, in which a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament, in London, United Kingdom.
It is celebrated by having fireworks displays and the building of bonfires and sparklers. Also lots of yummy hot dogs etc...
It's a time when many hats scarves and gloves etc are bought as it is usually freezing when we go to bonfire night!
Rosey :)
SunshineandRavioli
Great Plan! Very happy to see paper goods in the mix...
Freefred
very useful tips, I will keep them in mind when re-stocking my shop. keep them coming!!
AllieRuth
The merchandising tips are probably my favorite things to read. Thanks so much guys! You rock :)
qualitybeadworks
Thanks for the information, I need all the help I can get.
ecozee
hi, here in Britain, November 5th is a big holiday (bonfires and fireworks). It is to remember the foiling of the gunpowder plot in the 1600s when guy fawks and his pals nearly blew up the king and the parliament.
littlepumpkincrafts
Hoping the holidays bring lots of sales and lots of fun!
MuchNeededPieces
I love the idea of Button Day. I hope I can be apart of it.
AmbieandAshiesArt
Ive heard of black friday but not Cyber Monday. Great idea!! Button Day sounds cool. Thanks for all of this great info.
ModernArtStudios
I love the colors!!! Say, how about promoting original art? Surely, there are numerous paintings available in these gorgeous colors and what a way to set the holiday mood + art makes for a thoughtful and lasting gift! --Kindest, Marie
DawnedOnMeDesigns
I just found out about the merchandising tips. I'll remember to check back each month. Thanks Etsy!
aemcdraw
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php...
From a Forum suggestion, November 30th St. Andrew's Day, Scottish theme. :)
thedoghouse
To second aemcdraw's suggestion above, pretty please give us a wee Scottish FP for St Andrew's day this Monday ;-)



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tooo cute!!
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