How Much Stock Should You Order Ahead of Christmas? A Trade Buyer's Guide

It's a question we get asked every year, usually somewhere around September, in a slightly panicked tone: how much Christmas stock should I actually be ordering?

The honest answer is that it depends on your footfall, your average basket size and how much storage you've got — but there are a few principles that hold true across most independent gift shops, garden centres and destination retailers we work with.

Start earlier than feels comfortable. Christmas trading in the UK gift sector genuinely begins in October for many outlets, and by the time you're seeing customers asking for Christmas gifts in your shop, it's too late to be placing your first order. Ordering in August or September gives you time to receive stock, get it merchandised properly and build momentum before the rush.

Base your quantities on last year, not this year's optimism. If a colour or design sold steadily last Christmas, order a similar quantity plus a modest increase — resist the urge to double down on a hunch. Our Christmas collection includes both our seasonal exclusives and evergreen bestsellers that work just as well gift-wrapped in December as they do the rest of the year, which gives you some flexibility if you're unsure.

Don't forget your fast movers outside the obvious Christmas range. Friendship balls, birthstone gifts and spirit balls all see a genuine uplift in December as people buy meaningful gifts for family — make sure your everyday bestsellers are as well stocked as your seasonal lines.

If you'd like a hand working out quantities for your specific outlet, get in touch and we're always happy to talk through what's worked well for similar shops. You can also request our latest printed catalogue if you'd prefer to plan your order away from a screen.

Debi, Hanna & the Sienna Glass Team