The Big 5: The Advertiser's Guide to $1.2T in Shopping Moments

Each year, key seasonal events drive a surge in consumer spending, pushing retailers into a fierce battle to win customer attention. The calendar year unfolds through a series of pivotal shopping moments, from Spring's Easter celebrations to the Winter holiday frenzy, each presenting unique opportunities for brands to connect with their audience. The stakes are particularly high in today's digital landscape, where advertising investments are projected to surpass $92 billion this year–a clear indication of the intensifying competition for consumer mindshare.

The challenge facing modern retailers extends beyond mere presence in the marketplace. In a world where consumers are bombarded with marketing messages across multiple channels, the question becomes: How can brands craft meaningful connections that resonate during these crucial shopping periods? To win during these key moments, brands need to understand what makes each shopping event unique and build campaigns that match how modern consumers think and buy.

Read on or download the full The Big 5: the Advertiser's Guide to $1.2T in Shopping Moments report to unlock the keys to success for this year's biggest shopping moments.

What are the top shopping events advertisers need to watch?
Here are the five major shopping events that stand out as prime opportunities for advertisers in 2025, based on 2024 consumer spend:

• Easter ($22.4 billion)
• Mother's Day ($33.5 billion)
• Father's Day ($22.4 billion)
• Back-to-School/College ($125.4 billion combined)
• Winter Holiday Season ($979.5 billion)

Did you know? Holiday-themed retail ads drive 63% higher engagement than non-seasonal creative. [Source: PadSquad 2025]

Who should advertisers be targeting for tentpole shopping events?
Effectively reaching the right audience begins with understanding who they are. Modern retail event shoppers are predominantly family-oriented women who balance tradition with practicality. These consumers prioritize convenience, sustainability, and value, making purchase decisions based on a combination of price points, brand trust, and shopping convenience.

Did you know? Consumer needs and motivations shift dramatically between events, requiring retailers to adapt their strategies accordingly.

Dive into robust consumer personas for shopping events in the all-new report

How can brands optimize their event marketing strategies?
Success during these peak shopping periods requires understanding the unique consumer motivations and optimal timing windows for each event. While family-oriented women represent a core demographic, shopping considerations and priorities vary significantly across events. For example, Back-to-School shopping demands different messaging and timing compared to holiday gift-giving seasons.

The first major consumer shopping event on the list this year is Easter, taking place on Sunday, April 20th. The time to optimize your marketing and advertising strategies for this crucial period is now, with 81% of Americans planning to celebrate the holiday. How can you reach these shoppers and help them fill their baskets? Consider emphasizing family and traditions in your creative and ad formats, as well as using social inspired formats to show-off pin-worthy baskets. 

Did you know? One CPG brand saw $17,000 in cart transfers from shoppable rich media formats promoting their healthier Easter basket options to moms. 

The retail landscape continues to evolve, and brands need sophisticated strategies to capitalize on these crucial shopping moments. By understanding your audience, timing your campaigns precisely, and crafting event-specific messaging, you can connect with today's diverse shoppers and drive results during these peak periods.

Ready to maximize your impact during this year's biggest shopping events? Contact us today to get started, and download The Big 5: The Advertiser's Guide to $1.2T in Shopping Moments for more insights and strategies.