Ramadan is a sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide, bringing a shift in daily routines, spending habits, and shopping behaviours. Whether you run a small local shop, an online store, or a large business, preparing for this special time can help you connect with your customers and boost sales. People look for products and services that align with the values of Ramadan, from food and fashion to gifts and charitable giving.
No matter where your business is based, getting ready for Ramadan with thoughtful strategies can help you serve your customers better and make the most of this season. Here are five practical tips to help you prepare.
1. Understand Consumer Behaviour During Ramadan
Ramadan brings significant shifts in consumer behaviour, with changes in shopping habits, spending priorities, and daily routines. Understanding these trends can help businesses prepare effectively.
Google identifies the two weeks before Ramadan as a pre-Ramadan phase, during which searches for online groceries, deliveries, and home décor peak more than any other time of the year. 53% of MENA (Middle East and North Africa) consumers increase their spending, focusing on essentials and festive shopping.
Online shopping also rises, especially after Iftar, with 40% seeking deals and 49% preferring discounts. This means businesses that offer promotions, bundle deals, and time-limited discounts can attract more customers.
To maximise sales, start marketing early, and optimise your online store for mobile browsing, as many customers shop from their phones in the evening. If you have a physical store, consider extending your hours after Iftar to accommodate late-night shoppers.
2. Manage Your Inventory Strategically
Ramadan brings increased demand for specific products, from food and clothing to home décor and gifts. Businesses that plan their inventory wisely can maximise sales while avoiding overstocking. The key is predicting demand accurately and stocking efficiently.
To estimate how much stock you need, start by analysing past sales data. Look at last year’s Ramadan sales trends—what sold out quickly, what lagged, and when demand peaked. If you’re a new business, study market trends in your industry. Google Trends and social media insights can help identify rising demand for certain products.
Pre-orders and customer surveys can also give valuable insights. If you sell high-demand Ramadan items like dates, traditional sweets, or modest clothing, consider launching a pre-order campaign a month in advance. This helps gauge interest and reduces the risk of unsold stock.
Supplier coordination is another crucial step. Since demand spikes for essential items, communicate with suppliers early to secure stock and avoid last-minute shortages. If you rely on imported goods, factor in shipping delays.
Businesses should also plan for post-Ramadan inventory. Demand often drops immediately after Eid, so avoid overstocking seasonal items that may not sell later. Instead, create post-Ramadan promotions to clear excess inventory while keeping customer interest high.
Use a demand forecasting tool or inventory management software to track sales trends and adjust stock levels in real-time like Zoho or inFlow. For smaller businesses, simple spreadsheets combined with historical data can help prevent over- or understocking.
3. Tailor Your Marketing and Promotions
Creating marketing campaigns that resonate with the spirit of Ramadan is essential for connecting with your customers on a deeper level. It’s important to offer promotions that align with the season’s values—family, charity, and community—while being culturally sensitive to the significance of this holy month.
Start by focusing on products that are in high demand during Ramadan, like food items, modest clothing, home décor, and gifts for Eid. Offering bundles or discounts on Iftar meal kits, gift hampers for Eid, or other Ramadan essentials adds value and makes it easier for customers to shop. These types of promotions show you understand their needs during the month.
When tailoring your marketing, cultural sensitivity is crucial. Ramadan is a time of worship, reflection, and spiritual growth, so marketing that focuses too heavily on commercial gains can seem tone-deaf. Avoid overly aggressive sales tactics and instead focus on offering value and convenience.
Your messaging should centre around themes of giving, kindness, and togetherness, as these align with the values of Ramadan. Highlighting charity initiatives or contributing to community well-being is a great way to show your brand cares. For instance, you could donate a portion of sales to a charity during the month, or feature partnerships with local community organisations. This adds meaning to the transaction and reflects the communal aspect of Ramadan.
At Riwaya, giving back is part of our mission. We donate a percentage of sales to charity year-round, and during Ramadan, this commitment holds even greater significance, reflecting the spirit of generosity and community.
4. Enhance Your Online and Mobile Shopping Experience
With many consumers turning to online shopping during Ramadan for the convenience it offers—especially with their adjusted schedules—it’s crucial for businesses to ensure that their digital platforms are optimised for the best customer experience.
Given that a significant portion of online shopping happens through smartphones, mobile optimisation is essential. A Google report found that 52% of users said that a bad mobile experience made them less likely to engage with a company, so ensure your website is mobile-friendly with easy navigation, responsive design, and quick load times. The quicker and smoother the shopping experience, the higher the chances of conversion.
Customers should be able to find what they need quickly and easily, especially when time is limited. Organising your website into Ramadan-specific categories, such as “Ramadan Essentials,” “Eid Gifts,” or “Modest Fashion for Ramadan,” will make it easier for shoppers to browse relevant products. Highlight your Ramadan promotions and bundle deals prominently on your homepage or in a pop-up banner to grab attention immediately.
Speed is critical. A delay of even one second in loading time can reduce conversion rates by 7%. To avoid this, ensure that your website has optimised images and a streamlined checkout process. The faster the website loads, the more likely customers are to complete their purchases.
5. Building a Sense of Community
Building a sense of community during Ramadan not only strengthens your relationship with customers but also taps into the values of togetherness, charity, and reflection that are at the core of this holy month. During Ramadan, people seek to connect with others, share experiences, and contribute to meaningful causes. For businesses, this offers a unique opportunity to engage customers in ways that resonate with their values and deepen brand loyalty.
One way to foster a sense of community is by creating interactive campaigns that encourage people to share their own Ramadan experiences. This could include a social media challenge where customers share their Ramadan moments—whether it’s the food they prepare for Iftar, their family traditions, or how they’re observing the month.
You could also ask your followers to share their favourite Ramadan recipes or unique Eid preparations. This type of content not only strengthens the connection with your brand but also creates a space for people to engage with each other.
For example, you could create a hashtag like #RamadanWith[YourBrand] and invite followers to post photos or stories. This builds an online community around your brand and provides an opportunity for customers to engage with you and each other. You can even reward the most creative or inspiring posts with prizes such as discounts or free products.
By embracing these strategies, businesses can effectively build a sense of community during Ramadan, deepening their connection with customers while honouring the values of this important month. It’s all about creating shared experiences, contributing to causes that matter, and making customers feel that they are part of something larger than just a transaction.
Conclusion
Preparing your business for Ramadan involves understanding and adapting to the unique consumer behaviours during this period. By managing your inventory, tailoring your marketing, enhancing your online presence, and adjusting your operations, you can meet customer needs and maximise your sales during the holy month. Remember, the key is to approach Ramadan with respect and sensitivity, aligning your business practices with the values and traditions of this significant time.
Selling with Riwaya
The Ramadan surge can be overwhelming, especially for small businesses. But don't worry—we've got a solution for you! With Riwaya, you can thrive during this busy season without the stress.
Riwaya is one of the UK’s largest Islamic marketplaces, designed to make shopping easy for both Muslim vendors and buyers. As a seller, all you need to do is set up your online store with us, and we'll take care of the rest. From marketing and SEO optimisation to tailored social media campaigns, we ensure your business reaches new heights and attracts more customers every day.
Join us now and enjoy a stress-free Ramadan with all the perks of being part of Riwaya!
