Christmas remains the biggest sales opportunity of the year, and with the festive season right around the corner, how can retailers capitalise on the most profitable time of the year? Joanna Formby, Head of Product at the card and party supplies wholesaler Tiger Feet, reveals the key Christmas trends for 2025 – and shares how convenience stores and local retailers can help cut through the noise and maximise sales.
Images: Stars for Europe, left and Copper and Green.
Christmas 2025 trends
“This year, three decorating trends are dominating Christmas – Nostalgic Christmas, Luxe Metallics and Unapologetic Maximalism,” shares Joanna. “Nostalgic Christmas embraces traditional tartans, nutcrackers and Victorian-inspired trimmings. Luxe Metallics is all about elevated metallics, moving away from silver and gold towards softer tones of bronze, champagne and copper. Unapologetic Maximalism celebrates bright and bold colours, whimsical novelty decorations and a touch of disco flair.
“Beyond decor, gift boxes are up 123% year on year as shoppers look for stylish ways to package and group gifts. Christmas foil balloons are also seeing rapid growth, up 126% year on year. The standout product is the 24″ Christmas Reindeer balloon, up an impressive 1,463%, reflecting the growing trend for more eye-catching festive decor.
“Stocking fillers continue to grow in popularity, with small plush toys, fidget toys, quirky desk accessories, and classic stationery adding fun to larger presents. And pets aren’t being left out, as sales of Christmas pet toys are up 387%, with many customers even buying Christmas cards for their furry friends!”
How can retailers perfect their product mix?
“A successful Christmas product mix balances high-volume, lower-margin items with unique, high-margin treasures,” Joanna explains. “Ensure you stock plenty of basket builders to maximise sales and footfall. These include essential, lower-cost but high volume items such as gift wrap, ribbons, and card packs.
“Position these strategically at the till point or in high-traffic areas to encourage impulse buys. Finally, make sure you have your annual classics that never go out of fashion, these anchor products attract customers and keep them returning year after year.”
How can smaller retailers compete with big chains on Christmas stock?
“Whilst small retailers can’t compete with the big chains on price or volume, they can compete strongly on curation, service, and experience,” says Joanna. “Don’t stock generic products, instead focus on unique, high-margin, and highly trend-relevant ranges that the big chains may overlook. This will allow you to curate a small, powerful collection that feels special.
“You can also compete and boost sales by offering exceptional human customer service, whether this be through advice on how to execute the top trends or even by hosting in-store events in the lead up to Christmas.”
How should retailers be displaying their products?
“Instead of just grouping products by type, try to tell a story instead by grouping products by theme, such as ‘Nostalgic Christmas’ highlighting traditional cards, tartan gift wrap and nutcrackers,” explains Joanna. “This helps customers visualise the trend and encourages them to buy multiple coordinating items.
“Another way to entice customers to increase the average cost of purchases is by bundling items together in hampers which offer high-margin gift-ready packages. Using the till area for high-margin, impulse purchases will also encourage shoppers to make purchases.”
