Last-minute ideas for cashing-in on post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping

With some creativity, a handy holiday checklist, and a few simple ideas, it’s not too late to cash in on the holiday shopping season. Here’s a simple list of ideas and resources to help your business attract more holiday shoppers.

1. Make a plan

First, sit down and make a quick plan. As you note your holiday goals and forecast your numbers, review last holiday season’s performance. Consider the number of transactions, gross sales, number of customers served, and other metrics important to your business. What products sold last year? What products didn’t? What times of the week or day did you see an uptick in traffic? Did you need supplemental holiday staff? Fortunately, reporting and getting the insights you need to prep for the holidays is a snap with Clover

READ: Three questions to ask as you plan for the holidays

2. Boost your inventory 

If you want to maximize holiday sales, have the products your customers most want on hand. It may seem like an obvious point, but how many times has a business been caught flatfooted by a sudden swell in traffic? Having insight into what your most popular products are, what volume of product you typically move, and what inventory items you may need to accommodate holiday traffic is crucial to a profitable holiday season. Clover can help you whip your inventory into shape fast. Learn how Clover has helped these retailers manage their inventory. And, if you’re worried about overstocking, here are some ideas on what to do with overstock and surplus inventory after the holidays.

READ: The 4 challenges facing retail businesses and what Clover’s doing about them

3. Stock up on gift cards

Gift card sales have grown steadily year over year–they’re projected to reach a whopping $214 billion in 2024 and as much as $267 billion by 2028. While your business should offer a mix of physical and digital gift cards, digital gift cards are a must for holiday shoppers. And, since 61% of consumers tend to spend over the value of their gift cards, increasing gift card sales can help your business increase its revenue. Even better, with gift cards for small businesses from Clover, set up is simple–and digital gift cards are available immediately. So, you can begin boosting profits and customer loyalty now. 

READ: 4 advantages of gift cards

4. Create a magical customer experience 

Creating loyal customers this holiday season comes down to creating a standout experience. That can be easier and faster than you may think. Personalizing aspects of your interactions–offering gift wrapping, complimentary holiday cards, and sending thank you notes after the holiday rush can reap big payback in customer loyalty. That’s why small businesses should lean into personalization this holiday season. What’s more, anything you can do now to make managing holiday shopping lists simpler for your customers can boost customer loyalty later. For instance, offer gift recommendations, email a holiday gift guide to your customers, or provide a suggested reading list. And, setting up a loyalty program with Clover Customer Engagement is quick and simple. 

READ: 7 tips to turn holiday shoppers into loyal customers

5. Share the holiday spirit 

Sharing info about any holiday promos or events you’ve planned can help your customer get great deals and help your business get a piece of the holiday shopping frenzy. While holiday events can take time to plan, you can still make a last-minute splash in the holiday market with some simple ideas. For starters, an event doesn’t have to be a big shindig–it can simply be setting aside special shopping hours for your most loyal customers. Or, providing holiday gift-wrapping services to customers who spend over a specified amount. Or, offering child-friendly shopping and crafts. Keeping things simple can make holiday shopping better for your customers and easier for you and your employees. Holiday promotions don’t have to break the bank either. Check out these ideas and tips for creating effective social media marketing content, marketing emails, and simple holiday eCommerce strategies. And, note these low-cost marketing ideas if you have little to no budget for holiday marketing. 

READ: Attract more holiday shoppers to your retail store

6. Invest in your employees

No business can be successful without dedicated employees–especially during the holidays. If you need to quickly ramp up the number of staff you have available for holiday work, one of the best hiring strategies is to hire based on personal referrals. Provide a clear job description to your staff, friends, or family–and be sure to incent your staff for any referrals that result in hires. What’s more, keep your employees motivated over the holiday rush by recognizing their hard work. Consider giving them a holiday bonus–and plan time to celebrate them after the holiday rush is over.

READ: How to boost staff morale

7. Prepare yourself for the holiday rush

The holidays can be stressful enough. But, if you’re running a retail business and trying to prepare yourself for holiday gatherings, the stress can be overwhelming. So, be sure to prepare yourself for the holiday rush. Four simple verbs can help you keep a steady hand and stress-free head this holiday season: move, feed, rest, and delegate (or automate). A simple walk outside can do wonders for stress levels. Nourishing your body with good food and your mind with good content can also help you overcome stressors. And, delegate (or automate) any tasks you can. 

READ: 4 challenges facing retail businesses and what Clover’s doing about them

Learn how a Clover POS system can help your retail business simplify and automate operations and make the most of this holiday season and beyond. 

Editorial Team

Holiday, Insights, Marketing, Retail

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