March is a pivotal month for US retail, marking the transition from winter to spring. Consumers emerge from post-holiday shopping fatigue and start engaging in seasonal trends, events, and celebrations. Whether it's basketball fever during March Madness, travel and party shopping for Spring Break, or the empowerment movement surrounding International Women’s Day, there are multiple opportunities for online sellers to tap into American consumer behavior.
For online sellers, understanding these seasonal trends, cultural events, and retail behaviors can significantly impact their success in the US market. This guide breaks down five key events, their historical significance, how they are celebrated today, and the best print-on-demand (POD) products available through Dreamship that sellers can offer.
March Madness
Duration: March 18, 2025 - April 7, 2025
March Madness is the annual NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) basketball tournament that captivates the US sports world. Established in 1939, this single-elimination tournament determines the national champion among college basketball teams. The name “March Madness” comes from the unpredictability of the games—where underdog teams frequently pull off shocking upsets, leading to "Cinderella stories" that excite fans.
The tournament spans from mid-March to early April, with 68 college teams competing. It generates millions of dollars in sports betting, merchandise sales, and advertising revenue, making it one of the most profitable sporting events in the US. But it’s not just for sports fans—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Office pools and betting brackets are a major part of the experience, with even casual viewers participating in prediction contests. Sports bars, college campuses, and workplaces often host watch parties, while social media erupts with debates, highlights, and reactions to shocking upsets.
Merchandise is a big business, as fans proudly wear apparel representing their favorite college teams. Even those without a strong allegiance enjoy basketball-themed humor, making novelty merchandise highly marketable.
Insider Tip:
A Statista survey from 2024 found that 40 percent of the public in the United States followed the Men's Division of the tournament either somewhat or very closely. Meanwhile, around a third of the US public followed the women's edition to some degree. This is a prime opportunity to sell basketball-related merchandise. Custom apparel, drinkware, and home décor featuring basketball slogans, tournament references, and team-inspired designs are popular. Consumers also love funny merch that reflects the frustration of losing their bracket bets.
Product Suggestions
- Custom Tumblers and Mugs for game-night drinks
- T-shirts and Hoodies with funny basketball sayings like “Bracket Busted” or “March Hoop Dreams”
- Wall Art and Posters featuring vintage basketball graphics or championship-inspired designs
Spring Break
Duration: March (varies by school)
Spring Break originated in the 1930s as a college tradition but exploded in popularity in the 1980s, fueled by MTV’s coverage of wild, sun-soaked parties. Initially, it was a way for students to escape the winter blues and take a break before final exams, but over time, it grew into a full-fledged tourism industry. While Spring Break is most associated with college students, many American families also take advantage of school vacations to travel during this time.
Gen Z, particularly the college-aged crowd, will drive a significant portion of Spring Break spending, making them a key demographic for retailers. While they have yet to reach their full economic potential, their influence is already undeniable. In the US alone, Gen Z wields an estimated $360 billion in spending power, according to the BBC. As this generation continues to shape consumer trends, their preferences—whether for trendy travel gear, personalized apparel, or sustainable products—will be critical for businesses looking to capture Spring Break sales.
Gen Z Marketing Stats
- 81 percent prefer personalized ads (vs. 57 percent of Millennials and 42 percent of Boomers).
- Gen Z shoppers shop 2X more on mobile than Millennials.
- Over 60 percent of Gen Z shoppers bought products they saw on social media.
- Currently, 94% of Generation Z use social media.
- 68% of Gen Z want all brands to help society.
Sources: (Bloomberg L.P., Unsupervised, Forbes, Kargo Commerce, Hootsuite, PR Newswire, Marketing Charts, Morning Consult, Convince & Convert, Meta.)
Insider Tip:
Spring Break shoppers prioritize beach-friendly, travel-ready, and party-themed products. Personalized apparel, trendy tote bags, and stylish tumblers are highly in demand. Many customers also purchase matching group outfits for trips, making coordinated t-shirts and swim cover-ups a great niche.
Product Suggestions
- Beach-themed tank tops and t-shirts with vacation slogans like “Sunkissed & Tipsy” or “Beach Please”
- Tote bags featuring vibrant tropical prints
- Personalized tumblers and shot glasses, perfect for group trips
International Women’s Day
Duration: March 8, 2025
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated on March 8, has roots dating back to the early 1900s when women across the world mobilized for labor rights, suffrage, and gender equality. The United Nations officially recognized it in 1977, and today, it serves as a global day of action, reflection, and celebration of women's achievements. In the US, IWD has grown into both a social movement and a marketing moment, with businesses launching campaigns, special promotions, and limited-edition merchandise.
However, brands must tread carefully when engaging with IWD. Consumers, particularly younger demographics, are increasingly skeptical of businesses that appear to commercialize social causes without genuine commitment. A one-day marketing push with vague empowerment slogans or generic pink-themed products can come across as performative activism rather than meaningful support. Instead of treating IWD as a fleeting sales opportunity, businesses should integrate long-term strategies that demonstrate a real investment in gender equality.
To build authentic engagement, brands should go beyond surface-level messaging. One way to do this is by supporting organizations that actively work toward gender equality, such as donating a portion of profits to charities that align with their values. Another approach is to amplify women’s voices, highlighting their achievements not just on IWD but throughout the year. Businesses can also foster inclusivity by showcasing diverse female perspectives in their products, marketing, and leadership. Consumers are far more likely to support brands that show consistency in their values rather than those that use IWD as a temporary promotional tool.
Insider Tip:
For International Women’s Day, consider two key marketing insights. First, IWD isn’t just about gifting others—it’s also a day for self-gifting. Second, a multi-part campaign is far more effective than a single email.
Historical data from Omnisend shows that the best conversion days vary each year. Rather than guessing, maximize your chances by sending multiple well-timed messages leading up to the event. Start with an initial email one to two weeks in advance, followed by a reminder a few days before and a final push on March 8.
Product Suggestions:
- T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring empowering phrases like “The Future is Female.”
- Tote bags with inclusive, body-positive artwork.
- Mugs and notebooks as workplace gifts.
Pi Day
Duration: March 14, 2025
Pi Day honors the mathematical constant π (pi). Since its introduction in 1988, Pi Day has gained traction in STEM communities, schools, and bakeries that use the date as an excuse to sell pies.
Educators use Pi Day for math-related games and lessons, while bakeries and pizzerias offer discounts. Math enthusiasts, students, and food lovers alike enjoy themed merchandise, including pun-heavy shirts and novelty kitchenware.
Insider Tip:
Nerdy and food-related merchandise does well, particularly math pun T-shirts, mugs, and aprons.
Product Suggestions:
Spring Equinox
Duration: March 20, 2025
The Spring Equinox marks the official start of spring. Symbolizing renewal, balance, and nature’s awakening, it’s particularly popular among gardeners, nature lovers, and mindfulness communities.
Many people see the equinox as an opportunity to start fresh, embracing spring cleaning, gardening, and self-care rituals. Eco-conscious shopping spikes as consumers seek sustainable products and floral-themed home décor.
Insider Tip:
Nature-inspired merchandise sells well, particularly floral prints, home décor, and eco-friendly accessories.
Product Suggestions:
- T-shirts and tote bags with floral prints.
- Mugs and notebooks featuring inspirational spring quotes.
- Garden flags and home décor celebrating the season.
March provides numerous high-demand retail opportunities for online sellers. Whether leveraging sports enthusiasm, travel excitement, social movements, or seasonal changes, sellers can create highly marketable print-on-demand products tailored to US buyers.
By understanding these key trends and cultural moments, online sellers can make strategic product launches that align with American shopping behaviors.
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Happy selling!
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