The Rise of the “Do It For Me” Customer: Winning the Early Christmas Shopper

Halloween is barely over, yet the smart retailers are already winning Christmas.

Walk through any store right now and you’ll see it - Shelves brimming with festive gifts, while many customers have quietly started their Christmas shopping long before the rush.

This isn’t by accident.

A growing tribe of shoppers, the “Do It For Me” (DIFM) customers, have been stealth-purchasing since August. They’re busy, they’re discerning, and they want their gifting sorted without the stress.

They crave ease, beauty, and trust. They want their gifts curated, personalised, and ideally… already wrapped.

No overwhelm.

No decision fatigue.

Just ready-to-give perfection. 💝

🧭 Understanding the DIFM Customer

The DIFM customer is not price-driven. They value time, presentation, and simplicity. For retailers, this segment offers a real opportunity to increase average transaction value - if you make the purchase effortless and emotionally appealing.

Here’s how to win them this season.

✅ 1. Sell the experience, not the amount

When it comes to vouchers, don’t just sell €50 or €100 - sell moments.

Think afternoon tea, spa sessions, private dining, or local staycations.

Help your customers visualise the joy they’re gifting, not just the price tag.

🪄Example: “The Kingsley Hotel in Cork nails this - their spa and afternoon tea vouchers feel indulgent, instantly giftable, and perfectly presented.

✅ 2. Curate and simplify

Decision fatigue is real. DIFM customers are drawn to beautifully pre-assembled gift bundles that look gorgeous and make gifting effortless.

Themed collections, seasonal displays, and “grab-and-go” packaging options not only save time - they drive impulse purchases and elevate perceived value.

🪄 Think: The Design Gallery in Drogheda, known for its promise - “That gift wrap is our pleasure.” The thoughtfulness is the brand.

✅ 3. Make it seamless

The DIFM shopper expects frictionless convenience. Gift wrapping, concierge-style shopping, click-and-collect, and express pick-up options all speak their language.

It’s about removing effort and adding joy at every stage of the purchase.

✅ 4. Highlight local stories and experiences

Local gifting is having a real moment. When you connect your offer to a sense of place or craft, you instantly increase its emotional value. Spotlight regional makers, artisans, or experiences. It builds trust and authenticity.

✨ The Takeaway

You’ve already got the products - now it’s time to package the value.

Make it easy, beautiful, and memorable. Your DIFM customers will reward you with loyalty and word-of-mouth advocacy.

Let’s make this your strongest gifting season yet.

Let’s talk gifting strategy: wrapped, ready, and irresistible.