New year marketing ideas and sales campaigns to get new customers in 2026

Merchants are now planning how to start the new year with fresh momentum after a demanding holiday season. Global spending reached close to USD 976 billion last year, and forecasts this 2025 suggest holiday spending could rise to around USD 1 trillion. This continued growth shows just how active shoppers remain across November and December.

There’s no shortage of competition in January either. Buyers continue to research heavily, with 64% of US holiday shoppers blending scrolling, streaming, searching, and shopping. Half of them maintain that level of research throughout the rest of the year, and 38% say they research even more. With this level of activity, your New Year marketing ideas benefit from stronger foundations than blanket discount codes.

New Year marketing ideas #1: Tap the resolution mindset in marketing campaigns

You can package products that support fitness, wellness, home refresh, or sustainable swaps. These bundles offer a clear purpose. They give buyers an easy way to begin a habit or plan, and they help you maintain healthy margins. You can also present these kits as a limited run to create interest without depending on deep cuts.

Some of the best ideas often combine product and content. Trial weeks, challenge passes, or short-term access to expert guidance can encourage repeat engagement. When framed as part of a New Year routine, these offers help you form a stronger connection with buyers while bringing in new customers who want a structured start.

Marketing ideas #2: Build value with loyalty, access, and community

Loyalty thank-you boosters

Many merchants already run loyalty schemes. You can add bonus points, early access windows or members-only drops. These gestures reward commitment and provide a way to boost sales by encouraging follow-on purchases at the start of the year.

Local and hybrid events

Workshops, livestream demos, or shop-along sessions across TikTok or Instagram Live can introduce your new products without heavy promotional spend. These formats suit buyers who research through multiple screens. Given the blended 4S (streaming, scrolling, searching, and shopping) behaviour trend, such events help you connect through natural discovery moments.

Simple entry mechanics keep participation accessible. Choose rewards that deliver experiences rather than gift cards. For example, early access to a new line or a behind-the-scenes session with your team. Clear rules and transparent judging foster trust.

Marketing ideas #3: UX refresh this holiday season

Mobile-first landing

Speed, clarity, and trust signals count. You can test lighter layouts, faster image loads, and clearer value positions. A theme that reflects a fresh start can support your messaging without overwhelming visitors.

Payment UX

Offering the right payment mix can increase conversion and attract new customers. The growing global use of digital wallets, bank transfers, and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) means buyers expect choice. BNPL alone is forecast to surpass USD 560 billion in 2025. Making it available where it fits your business can lift order volume and reduce abandonment.

Antom lets you support cards, bank transfers, wallets, and BNPL through a single integration. You can also localise payment methods for each region to capture demand more effectively. If your teams need speed during campaign periods, you can weigh SDK integration against an APIs-only approach. 

Marketing ideas #4: Promotion ideas with strong margins

Spend-and-get thresholds and bundles

Spend-and-get thresholds can nudge average order value while staying margin-friendly. Bundles present higher perceived value without needing percentage reductions.

Limited editions and festive packaging

A small seasonal range or refreshed packaging can create interest and provide a way to boost sales across January.

Subscriptions, trials, and prepaid plans

Subscriptions continue to grow across physical and digital goods. Trials, introductory pricing, or prepaid plans can help you carry momentum into Q1 and Q2. Smooth recurring payments contribute to retention, and Antom’s subscription workflows show how authorisation, change requests, and cancellations can be handled with clarity and reliability. 

Marketing strategies #5: Email, SMS, and on-site journeys

Segmenting by themes such as health, finance, organisation, or learning helps you serve relevant content rather than generic campaigns.

Countdowns promote urgency. Social proof helps uncertain buyers make quicker decisions. Both tools align well with how buyers mix research and shopping.

Additionally, welcome series, how-to use guidance, or reorder nudges can extend the value of each purchase and support your retention strategy.

Marketing strategies #6: Optimise payment experience

Plan for fees and refunds in your campaign P&L

Different payment methods bring different fee structures. Mapping expected mixes across cards, wallets, bank transfers, or BNPL can help you plan more accurate margins. Using precise terms such as AVS, Interchange++, authorisation, and chargeback helps your teams stay aligned. 

Boost authorisation and recovery

Pay Evaluation and Auto Retry in Antom’s Revenue Booster can help you recover payments that would otherwise fail, especially for subscription or Auto Debit flows. These features guide buyers to top up when needed and retry transactions at more effective times. 

Reduce friction with one click and Scan to Pay

Scan to Link can help you speed up authorisation and enable one-click subsequent payments. This works well for TV, console, or desktop shoppers who prefer scanning a code with a phone. 

EasySafePay can keep buyers inside your app or website for the entire payment session, reducing redirect churn. 

Marketing strategies #7: Operational readiness for holiday season peak weeks

You can validate surcharge handling, fraud signals, or password requirements for higher-risk flows. Antom Shield provides a list of tools, rule settings, and risk scoring to help you manage exposure across global markets. 

If you run flash sales or limited drops, routing options and supported payment methods benefit from load testing. This preparation helps you maintain stability during unexpected peaks.

Define your refund windows along with responses for bundles and subscriptions. Consistent communication and predictable handling help you maintain buyer confidence.

Conclusion

January creates an opportunity to refresh how you connect with buyers. You can use New Year sales ideas that focus on value, experience, and convenience rather than heavy discounting. When supported by thoughtful payment choices, strong operational planning, and clear communication, these marketing campaigns can help you reach new customers and drive success across the months ahead.