What’s in demand, and when

Before the cold sets in, people service heating, insulate homes, fit winter tyres and replace car batteries — then emergency repairs spike in cold snaps.

The year’s biggest spending period in many countries: gifts, food, parties, decorations and travel, building to 24–25 December.

Markets open around the first Sunday of Advent: mulled wine, food stalls, crafts and gifts draw huge crowds and tourists.

The biggest discount weekend: shoppers buy holiday gifts and big-ticket items, online and in store. Customers compare prices hard.

Parties, dinners and countdown events push one night of very high demand for venues, food, drinks and entertainment.

People start the year with goals — fitness, money, learning — so sign-ups and first purchases cluster in January.

France fixes its official sales periods by law (winter sales from early January, summer sales from late June, four weeks each): shoppers wait for them.

A month of fasting: daytime trade slows, evenings get busy (iftar meals, family gatherings), food shopping and charity rise, and spending builds toward Eid.

Gifts and evenings out for partners: flowers, jewellery, chocolate and restaurant tables peak in the days before 14 February.

The celebration ending Ramadan: new clothes, gifts, family meals and travel, with the busiest shopping in the last week of Ramadan.

A long weekend in many countries: chocolate, baking, family meals, church events and short trips.

Most weddings happen in a few months: venues, catering, photography, attire, flowers, cakes and rentals book up months ahead.

The Feast of the Sacrifice: livestock and meat demand peaks, with family gatherings, travel and new clothes.

Gifts, flowers and meals out for mothers — one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants and florists.

Holidays and good weather: travel, outdoor activities, ice cream, drinks and events rise; some office services slow down.

Gifts and outings for fathers: grilling, tools, electronics, grooming and meals out.

Families buy uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery and devices, and sign up for tutoring, transport and after-school care.

China’s National Day week: record domestic travel and spending, while many factories and offices close or slow down for the week.