The holiday season is a crucial time for small businesses. It's estimated that, on average, 27 percent of annual retail sales occur in the fourth quarter according to Statista, so if you're not properly prepared, you could miss out on a lot of business. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get ready for the holiday rush. In this blog post, we'll cover some tips on how to decorate your storefront, hire seasonal staff, update your marketing approach, and more. Keep reading to learn how to make the most of the holiday season from the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce.
One of the best ways to attract holiday shoppers is to decorate your storefront festively. This doesn't have to be expensive—a few strings of lights and some seasonal greenery can go a long way. If you have extra budget to work with, you could also consider renting a holiday-themed window display or hiring a company to wrap your storefront in seasonal graphics. Whatever you do, make sure your decorations are up early so that shoppers know you're open for business.
Even though the holidays are fast approaching, there will always be last-minute shoppers who wait until the last minute to buy gifts. To attract these procrastinators, make sure you have plenty of stocking stuffers and last-minute gift ideas on hand. You could also offer express shipping or gift-wrapping services so that shoppers can get their purchases quickly and easily. Be sure to promote these services on social media and in-store.
The holidays are also a great time to give back to the community where your business is located. There are many ways you can do this, such as donating products or gift certificates to local charities, sponsoring a food drive, or hosting a toy drive. Not only will this make you feel good, but it will also help raise awareness about your business (and who doesn't love free publicity?).
The holidays are an important time for small businesses—20-40% of annual retail sales occur between October and December! If you want your small business to thrive during this busy time of year, there are some things you need to do in preparation. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to having a successful holiday season!
Join the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce to connect with local entrepreneurs and resources that can help your business grow.