Christmas and the holiday season is all about happiness, generosity, and connection – and it should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. For people living with disabilities, however, shopping for gifts can be fraught with challenges, from navigating inaccessible websites to encountering barriers in delivery options.
For eCommerce businesses, Christmas offers an opportunity to foster inclusion and create an accessible shopping experience that spreads the holiday spirit. Beyond the season, it can open doors to an often-overlooked customer base, to increase sales and promote trust in your business; it’s a positive move.
1. Make your website a gateway to holiday cheer
An accessible website is the foundation of an inclusive shopping experience. To meet the needs of all customers, ensure your site complies with WCAG 2.1 guidelines. Screen reader capability, keyboard navigation, and descriptive alt text for images are all features that can help users with disabilities navigate your website with ease.
Be mindful of festive graphics and animations on sites – they can overwhelm users and disrupt accessibility. Instead, prioritise clean, intuitive navigation, high-contrast modes, and a checkout process that works with assistive devices.
2. Flexible delivery and support for holiday shoppers
Offering thoughtful delivery options makes a big difference. Consider timed delivery slots for busy caregivers or accessible pickup points for wheelchair users. Gift wrapping and personalised notes can also enhance the experience. Chatbots and service agents that can handle accessibility-related calls are also important support tools.
3. Search and filter with inclusive holiday options
Finding the perfect gift shouldn’t be a chore; tailored filters and categories like “lightweight gifts,” “sensory-friendly options,” or “one-handed use,” can simplify the process. Consider adding voice activated search or simplified language options to accommodate users with dexterity or literacy challenges.
4. Offer curated gift guides for the season
Gift-giving becomes simpler when businesses create curated lists that cater to diverse needs. For example, guides like “Mobility Support Gifts,” “Sensory-Friendly Stocking Stuffers,” or “Tech for Staying Connected” can help shoppers. Product descriptions should be deliberate and highlight features like ergonomic design and compatibility with assistive devices that are meaningful and relevant to shoppers.
5. Include subtitles and captions in holiday media
Holiday promotions including ads and product tutorials, that share seasonal joy, should include accurate captions. Alt text on images also helps the visually impaired buyers. Don’t forget to add captions and alt text on your social media posts, too. This not only enhances accessibility, but reflects the commitment of celebrating with everyone in mind.
6. Foster a user-friendly holiday shopping experience
The volume of promotional messaging and choices is overwhelming, so things like guided navigation, step by step tutorials and “How to Buy” pages and blogs can help simplify their experience and the process. Digital catalogues can feature holiday sections, and grouped products to streamline their journey.
Why inclusive holiday shopping matters
The Christmas and holiday season is about bringing people together, and accessibility means everyone is included, and demonstrates that your brand is committed to equity, compassion and spirit of the season.
When businesses prioritise accessibility, they expand their reach – but more importantly, they help create a world where everyone can participate in the joy of giving and receiving.
Accessibility is the gift that keeps on giving – not just a Christmas, but all year-round. It’s the perfect time of the year to unwrap the potential for a more inclusive future for your brand.
