It’s September already, folks! The holiday season is not far off; Thanksgiving will be here before you know it.
As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, it’s time to prepare your business for the busiest time of the year.
Retail sales overall have been doing well. But small businesses nationwide are bracing for a potentially difficult holiday season. That’s what research says.
Small businesses are feeling the pinch because more than half of consumers have cut back on spending at those places due to inflation.
A little planning can set your business up for success during this bustling time of year, however.
Here are a few tips that will help you get your small business ready for the holiday season, so you can focus on what really matters. That is, celebrating the season and boosting your bottom line.
#1 Stock Up on Popular Items
Imagine running out of your best-selling products during the peak holiday shopping season—that is no less than a nightmare. Don’t let that happen.
Take a good look at what you have on hand. Are those items that sell like hotcakes in abundance? Or are you running low on them?
Do a deep dive into your sales data from previous years if you have it. That will help you understand which items tend to fly off the shelves. And for those that didn’t do so well? It might be time for a little discount to clear them out.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your suppliers early. The holiday season is just as busy for them as it is for you. The last thing you would want is to find out that a key product is back-ordered or sold out. Getting your orders in ahead of time will help ensure your shelves stay stocked.
Last holiday season, liquor stores in Severna Park and Arnold stocked up on wine, beer, and liquor that were in high demand so that they could meet consumers’ needs.
#2 Offer Gift Cards
Not everyone knows exactly what to buy, and gift cards take the guesswork out of gift-giving.
In 2023, The Cheesecake Factory introduced gift cards that were available from Black Friday through the end of the year.
Introduce gift cards and make holiday shopping even sweeter. Last-minute shoppers who want to make sure their loved ones can pick exactly what they want will buy them.
Promote your gift cards in your store, but don’t forget to advertise them on your website. Don’t have a site yet? Then, get one built without further delay.
An AI website builder can help you create a professional-looking site quickly and easily, even if you lack technical skills. These platforms are powered by artificial intelligence, which is why they can create a business-ready website in as few as five minutes.
Just chat with the AI wizard of the website builder, let it know what kind of site you want, and watch your business story turn into a custom site right before your eyes.
Not all AI-powered website builders are created equal, however. Just be sure to choose the right one. Hocoos advises business owners to choose a website builder that offers everything from custom domains to blogs.
Once created, make sure to highlight your gift card options prominently with eye-catching graphics and clear calls to action.
#3 Spruce Up Your Brick-and-Mortar Store
The holidays are all about creating a warm, inviting environment.
Set the mood for the holiday season by sprucing up your store with holiday decorations. Adorn your space with twinkling lights, cheerful wreaths, and holiday-themed displays. Creating a cozy corner with seasonal touches can also make a big difference.
Seasonal scents—like cinnamon or pine—can help create a sensory experience that will enhance the holiday vibe. Use candles or diffusers to fill your store with these inviting aromas.
You might also want to rearrange your layout to highlight gift ideas, best-sellers, and seasonal specials. Use creative signage to highlight special promotions or gift ideas, making it easy for shoppers to find what they need.
#4 Staff Up
Anticipate a surge in customers during the holiday season? Don’t hesitate to bring on extra help.
Hire seasonal staff, so they can jump in for the rush. Look for folks with good energy and a knack for customer service—after all, a friendly face can make all the difference during the hustle and bustle.
Train them before the holiday season. A quick training session can equip them to handle questions, assist customers, and help with tasks like restocking.
Target, Macy’s, Bath & Body Works, United Parcel Services, and 1-800-Flowers.com plan to hire seasonal workers ahead of the holiday season.
As the holiday season approaches, getting your small business ready can make shopping a joyful experience for your customers. Set your business up for success by following these tips. It will not only drive sales, but also keep your customers coming back for more.
The holiday season is an exciting time for every business owner, as it offers them a unique opportunity to connect with customers in meaningful ways. But don’t forget to take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough rest, stay organized, and find time to enjoy the holidays too.
