Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, businesses are urged to adapt to the sprinting crowds, quick stock turnaround, and the brimming festive spirit.
Christmas is usually the most profitable time for retailers, but it is also the most stressful. If you’re wondering how to get your store ready for the holidays and make the most of it, these Christmas promotion ideas for retail will help you tick your checklist in no time.
Get them in the mood
Even in the hottest countries, a little festive cheer can go a long way in recreating the beloved Christmas mood. Luckily for you, the weather in the UK around the winter months perfectly matches the holiday spirit.
What you want to do is bring the outdoor festivity into your store so that your customers immediately feel like they’re entering a Christmas Wonderland with a wealth of products to choose from. Here is how to do it:
- Place external and window graphics in the Christmas spirit to entice customers from the get-go.
- Colour-code your store in the festive nuances: red, white, and green.
- Use wayfinders and interior signage to direct customers to your Christmas aisles and create an intuitive in-store experience.
- Create a festive atmosphere through music and fragrance.
- Hand out little Christmas goody bags at the checkout.
Interactive Christmas
During Christmas, you’re competing with all the other stores that are on a mission to be the one-stop Christmas shop. If you want to be the top choice, you need to offer your customers something unique.
That’s where an immersive shopping experience comes into play. If your shop is kids-friendly, why not hire a Santa to entertain them? You can also have a Christmas-themed photo booth that prompts consumers to post their pictures on social media and tag you. Let your imagination run wild!
Wrap it good
People say you shouldn’t judge something by its cover, but when it comes to Christmas, your packaging is of the utmost importance.
Start planning in advance and get your design team to come up with exclusive Christmas packages that will stand out and are in line with your brand identity.
In-store PR events
Who doesn’t love a free event, especially when they need a little break from the endless Christmas shopping marathon? The good news is that you don’t have to break the budget by hiring a specific venue, because your store is as good a location.
Think about what your bestseller products are and plan the event around them. Have you just introduced a festive range in your clothing store? Then organise a Christmas-themed styling pop-up event. Do you specialise in exquisite beverages? A festive cocktail masterclass might be your best bet.
Make your event cost-effective by using affordable partitions and dividers to dedicate a section in your store to the event and props to help you engage your audience.
What are your Christmas deals?
With so many people to give gifts to, from family to workplace Secret Santa, people are usually wary of their budget. They’re on the lookout for the best deal and you need to offer them it.
Are you going to discount an entire category, such as 20% off all candles, or give a complimentary item with certain purchases, such as a box of chocolates?
If your aim is to encourage returning customers, why not offer them a return-visit free item or further discount?
Most importantly, get the word out about your promotions by using interior signage, handing flyers and posters at other venues, and posting on your website and social media channels.
Sell gift vouchers
Not everyone is a mastermind when it comes to coming up with Christmas gifts ideas. That’s where gift vouchers come into play. Although they’re available throughout the whole year, their popularity increases significantly around the festive season. According to research conducted by YouGov, 41% of around 2,000 surveyed adults prefer gift vouchers to traditional presents.
Partner with a local printing company to help you design unique gift vouchers that capture both the Christmas spirit and your brand identity.
Update your opening times
To avoid irritating or losing customers, keep them updated about your opening times during the Christmas period.
It’s also worth revising your returns and exchanges policy, alongside your delivery times over the busiest time of the year.
Why not place a sign at your store door with your opening times decorated in Christmas motifs? It’s also important to keep the information consistent on your website and social media channels to avoid confusion.
Make sure you have enough stock and staff
The two things your business can’t survive without is sufficient stock and well-trained staff. During the Christmas shopping spree, you want to make sure that the two are intact. Planning in advance will help you survive the Christmas rush without any further damage or profit losses.
Stock up on your bestselling items and train up your staff so that they know how to upsell and thrive in a fast-paced environment. You will be surprised at how many businesses fail to prepare. Be at the top of your game!
Although the festive can be stressful for your business, by implementing these Christmas promotion ideas for retail, you’re setting yourself up for success! And remember, Christmas is all about spreading love and kindness, so don’t shy away from getting swept up in the festive excitement. Your customers will follow as well!
