The holiday season is right around the corner, and it's time to get your head in the game. American consumers are expected to spend many hundreds of billions of dollars this holiday season, so it's crucial that your store is prepared to take advantage of the increased foot traffic and spending. Follow these tips from the Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce to get your store ready for the holidays.
Seasonal Decorating
A great way to get your customers into the holiday spirit (and spending mood) is to decorate your store. This doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming; a few well-placed festive touches can make all the difference. String some lights around your storefront, put up a small tree inside, and offer holiday-themed window displays. Customers will appreciate the extra effort, and it might even help draw in new business.
Consider Temporary Staff
The holidays are a busy time for everyone, so it's important to have enough staff on hand to handle the increased customer traffic. If you don't already have reliable part-time or seasonal employees, now is the time to start looking. Begin by reaching out to local college students or recent grads who might be interested in picking up some extra hours during the holiday rush.
Prep Your Marketing Plan
For customers to know about all the great holiday deals your store is offering, you need to market effectively. Make sure you're utilizing all of your channels, from print ads and flyers to social media and email marketing. You can also partner with other local businesses to cross-promote your holiday offerings, a win-win for everyone involved.
People Love a Gift Guide
Make shopping easier (and boost sales) through a PDF gift guide that customers can reference when they're unsure what to buy. This guide can include items from all different price ranges, so there's something for everyone. Just write a helpful guide on your word processor then convert it to a PDF with a free PDF converter. Be sure to promote your gift guide on all of your marketing materials; you can even offer it as a download on your website.
Check Your Stock
No one wants to be caught empty-handed during the holidays, so it's important to stock up on essentials well in advance. This includes everything from inventory to wrapping paper and ribbons to batteries and light bulbs. It's better to err on the side of caution when it comes to stocking up; you can always return unopened items after the holidays if you don't use them.
Contribute to Charities
The holiday season is a great time to give back to those in need, and there's no better way to do that than by supporting your local community. See if there are any toy drives or food pantries in need of donations, and encourage your employees and customers alike to get involved. Giving back will make everyone feel good, and it's a great way to build goodwill for your business.
Remember the Procrastinators
Not everyone does their holiday shopping early; in fact, some people leave it until the very last minute. To attract these procrastinating shoppers, make sure you have plenty of last-minute gift ideas on hand, like gift cards or themed basket collections. You can also extend your store hours or offer special shipping. Late shoppers will appreciate being able to pick up gifts at a convenient time for them.
The holidays are such an important time for retailers, and you should take every opportunity to make the most of increased traffic and spending. By following these tips, you can ensure that your store is ready for anything this holiday season throws your way.
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