2024 Winter Seasonal Planner
From a consumer perspective, we couldn’t be further away from thinking about the winter season. Our festive shopping tends to kick off with Black Friday sales. But of course, distributors need to be planning their stock and order with at least a 6-month lead time.
So in order to help retail buyers and category managers get prepared, we turn our attention to the winter season. But what are the key areas and products we (Simply Brands) produce, that distributors and retailers could consider for their 2024 Winter stock product range?
Car Maintenance Products
An essential shopping range for the colder months, car maintenance products are highly popular. These are the products that really drive consumers instore due to the essential nature. They’re a reason to visit and the building blocks for growing the basket values with further complimentary items.
There are a number of Simply Brands products we recommend for car maintenance in winter. EGR and DPF cleaners help maintain healthy combustion and exhaust processes during colder months.
Many drivers also find difficulty in getting their car to start in colder weather, particularly with older vehicles. Battery chargers and jump starters help make those frosty mornings easier. Preparation reduces stress and wasted time when vehicles don’t start.
According to a recent survey, drivers can spend up to £1600 on running costs (including servicing) for their car each year. Any way in which drivers can help reduce these costs can be extremely helpful; particularly in todays financial climate. Small maintenance jobs like bulb changes, wiper replacements can definitely be done at home with a little research and know-how. Check out our blog on the different types of wiper blade to get more insight into the products available and usage.
Issues with visibility in winter can make driving difficult and dangerous. It’s important for drivers to ensure they have done all they can to create safe driving conditions for themselves and others on the road. Our Xtreme Element Repair Kit has been specifically designed to repair broken rear window demisters
We actually have a dedicated, comprehensive winter care range with our Simply Auto products, including car covers, frost shields, ice scrapers, in-car dehumidifiers, testers and more. These can help to create a simple, effective range of must-haves in an automotive department instore.
One final element to a comprehensive automotive range instore is a focus on new drivers. A first car or driving lessons for a Christmas gift can be extremely exciting, but the new driver themselves will need their L Plates or P Plates before they head out on the road.
Other Winter Product Trends
There are always going to be additional peaks and trends that pop up each year, but more predictable elements of consumerism are what enable retailers to be one step ahead when ordering stock.
Indoor heaters
Heating our homes in winter is becoming increasingly expensive and not a luxury everyone can afford. However, heating only the rooms you are using can be a cost effective way to keep warm. Our heaters are easily portable, simple to use and come in a range of styles and sizes.
Cooking appliances
Who doesn’t love hearty home cooking when the weather turns cold? As everyone looks to save even more money with the rising cost of dining out, creating delicious home cooked meals is easier than ever. Slow cooker popularity continues to rise, and our range of air fryers certainly hit that exponential trend continuing throughout 2024 and beyond. Be sure to check out our Festive Kitchen Must Haves blog for more information and advice on choosing the right products for winter cooking.
Phone charging cables
In technology, an iPhone 16 release date is yet to be announced, but it’s likely to arrive later this year. At Samsung, their S25 model is rumoured to be in Q1 of 2025. This provides retailers with a great opportunity to sell new chargers and power leads for these new phones.
Phone manufacturers are making it easier to purchase leads as they all move towards more streamlined connectivity (currently USB C). This offers a great opportunity for many retailers to position themselves within the phone charger market and offer great value alternatives.
At home, in the car or on the go, our leads are fantastic quality, reliable and great value. Check out our Sustainable Leads too, which come in recyclable packaging and are made from recycled plastic bottles! Perfect for the conscious consumer.
Winter Health
One thing we can also rely on during winter (not necessarily positively), is the prevalence of winter bugs. Rife in schools and wreaking havoc on workforces. Keeping surfaces clean with a high-quality cleaner for a safe environment and committed hygiene practices help to stop the spread of virus’. Sanitisers are also great POS products and impulse purchases.
Mobility
On the subject of health, some consumers also struggle with a form of mild or severe mobility issue. Colder weather can worsen the symptoms, making sufferers more vulnerable. Our range of Simply Mobility products and heaters offer a great value solution for support and comfort during those times.
Seasonal Products
However, winter isn’t all about finding our way through the darkness, cold and difficult times. It’s also a time for celebration! Let’s not forget this is a huge opportunity for retailers and often the busiest time of year when consumerism peaks and the potential is huge.
We recently launched a new seasonal range, and we especially love our light up range, like the wooden house, which gives the perfect cosy addition to any home.
Outside of the home, as everyone continues to head out for work or leisure, we have a great range of products to suit. Our baby bottle warmer is perfect for young families. It fits perfectly in the car cup holder and has a handy indicator light to show when it’s on and ready to go!
For those working outdoors, the temperature has a huge effect on productivity and positivity. Our high quality work gloves are incredibly warm, but are also ensure all jobs can still be carried out with precision and comfort.
And so, as we assist our retailers and distributors in preparing for the winter seasons, we are able to provide products that are key essentials and reasons to visit.
Due to the large consumerism of Christmas, it can be a difficult time financially for everyone, which is why we put a firm focus on quality products that are excellent value for you, and your customers.
