Amazon guides sellers to convert gift card spending into January sales
Seller Central update highlights inventory planning, promotions and listing optimisation to capture post-holiday demand
By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
Jan-2026#02
Amazon has shared a new post-holiday selling strategy on its Seller Central platform, encouraging sellers to tap into January demand driven by shoppers using gift cards. The update, announced on Seller Central, outlines practical steps to help sellers turn unused gift cards into steady sales after the festive season ends. January is often seen as a slow retail month, but Amazon says gift card holders actively browse and buy during this period. With the right planning, sellers can maintain momentum and avoid a sharp drop in orders after December.
Why January gift card shoppers matter
Gift cards received during the holiday season are frequently redeemed in January. These shoppers are already motivated to spend and often look for practical or goal-oriented purchases such as fitness products, home essentials, electronics, beauty items and books. Amazon notes that sellers who stay visible and well-stocked during this phase are better positioned to capture this post-holiday revenue opportunity.
Also Read: Amazon extends FBM refund processing window to four calendar days from Jan 26, 2026
Inventory planning to avoid missed sales
One of the key recommendations from Amazon is to maintain healthy inventory levels. Sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon can rely on the FBA Demand Forecast tool, which predicts inventory needs up to 40 weeks in advance. By planning restocks early, sellers can avoid running out of popular products when gift card spending peaks. This is especially important for fast-moving categories that see renewed interest in the new year.
Keep promotions active beyond the holidays
Amazon is advising sellers not to stop promotions immediately after December. According to the Seller Central update, continuing offers such as coupons, lightning deals, best deals and promotional pricing can help attract gift card holders who compare options before spending. Seller University resources, including videos on promoting products, show how these tools can help listings stand out during competitive shopping periods.
Improve listings for new year goals
Gift card shoppers often look for products that support new year resolutions. Amazon suggests updating listings using AI-powered suggestions to improve titles, bullet points and key product attributes. Sellers can also use A plus Content to highlight features linked to fitness, organisation, self-care and productivity. Clear images, benefit-focused descriptions and updated keywords can improve conversion rates during January.
Learn from other Amazon sellers
The Seller Central announcement also points sellers to a recent Amazon seller story that explains how one business successfully targets customers shopping with gift cards after the holidays. These examples offer practical insights into timing promotions, adjusting messaging and aligning products with seasonal demand.
Post-holiday slowdowns can impact cash flow and inventory planning. By following this guidance, sellers can turn January into a continuation of the holiday selling cycle rather than a pause. The advice shared on Seller Central is aimed at helping sellers make better use of Amazon tools already available to them. Through this update, Amazon is reinforcing the importance of planning beyond peak season and using data, promotions and content improvements to stay competitive.
The Seller Central update on January gift card shoppers offers timely and practical guidance for Amazon sellers. By staying in stock, extending promotions and refining listings, sellers can convert gift card balances into meaningful sales. For businesses looking to start the year strong, this strategy can help sustain momentum and improve performance in the early months of the new year.
Also Read: Why Amazon Sellers Lose the Buy Box (And How to Fix It)
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the e-commerce brand.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.
By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
Jan-2026#02
Amazon has shared a new post-holiday selling strategy on its Seller Central platform, encouraging sellers to tap into January demand driven by shoppers using gift cards. The update, announced on Seller Central, outlines practical steps to help sellers turn unused gift cards into steady sales after the festive season ends. January is often seen as a slow retail month, but Amazon says gift card holders actively browse and buy during this period. With the right planning, sellers can maintain momentum and avoid a sharp drop in orders after December.
Why January gift card shoppers matter
Gift cards received during the holiday season are frequently redeemed in January. These shoppers are already motivated to spend and often look for practical or goal-oriented purchases such as fitness products, home essentials, electronics, beauty items and books. Amazon notes that sellers who stay visible and well-stocked during this phase are better positioned to capture this post-holiday revenue opportunity.
Also Read: Amazon extends FBM refund processing window to four calendar days from Jan 26, 2026
Inventory planning to avoid missed sales
One of the key recommendations from Amazon is to maintain healthy inventory levels. Sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon can rely on the FBA Demand Forecast tool, which predicts inventory needs up to 40 weeks in advance. By planning restocks early, sellers can avoid running out of popular products when gift card spending peaks. This is especially important for fast-moving categories that see renewed interest in the new year.
Keep promotions active beyond the holidays
Amazon is advising sellers not to stop promotions immediately after December. According to the Seller Central update, continuing offers such as coupons, lightning deals, best deals and promotional pricing can help attract gift card holders who compare options before spending. Seller University resources, including videos on promoting products, show how these tools can help listings stand out during competitive shopping periods.
Improve listings for new year goals
Gift card shoppers often look for products that support new year resolutions. Amazon suggests updating listings using AI-powered suggestions to improve titles, bullet points and key product attributes. Sellers can also use A plus Content to highlight features linked to fitness, organisation, self-care and productivity. Clear images, benefit-focused descriptions and updated keywords can improve conversion rates during January.
Learn from other Amazon sellers
The Seller Central announcement also points sellers to a recent Amazon seller story that explains how one business successfully targets customers shopping with gift cards after the holidays. These examples offer practical insights into timing promotions, adjusting messaging and aligning products with seasonal demand.
Post-holiday slowdowns can impact cash flow and inventory planning. By following this guidance, sellers can turn January into a continuation of the holiday selling cycle rather than a pause. The advice shared on Seller Central is aimed at helping sellers make better use of Amazon tools already available to them. Through this update, Amazon is reinforcing the importance of planning beyond peak season and using data, promotions and content improvements to stay competitive.
The Seller Central update on January gift card shoppers offers timely and practical guidance for Amazon sellers. By staying in stock, extending promotions and refining listings, sellers can convert gift card balances into meaningful sales. For businesses looking to start the year strong, this strategy can help sustain momentum and improve performance in the early months of the new year.
Also Read: Why Amazon Sellers Lose the Buy Box (And How to Fix It)
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the e-commerce brand.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.