Preparing Your Business For 2020 Christmas And Holiday Season
The last 3 months of the year are generally responsible for a majority of sales for both eCommerce and retail businesses. But will it be the same this year? In this article, you will learn how you can prepare for the 2020 Christmas and holiday season.
1. Start early
Even in the leadup to the holiday season, things can always go twisted. Early planning is important to make sure your shelves are stocked, and you’re promoting the right products. Establish a clear action plan and goal as early as possible to save your business. You can do this by solidifying your online presence and updating your online store. A simple Google Local Business listing can work for your business. Enable a click and collect service where the customers can collect their order from your store, without having to enter your store. If you’ve been forced to sell online, now is a great time to take advantage and ensure that your website is set up as best it can be. Amp up your online store by crafting informative transactional emails, setting up shipping options to deliver last-minute gifts, implementing return and refund policies for online sales, writing quality product descriptions, and more.
2. Hygiene
If you want people to visit your store, keep a small stand at the main entrance that dispenses alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It shows that you’re making a conscious effort to customers who are also being cautious. You can also use a dispenser that’s laser or foot operated.
3. Inventory
During Christmas, it’s common to stock up on popular products, but with the uncertainty and inconsistent consumer behaviour, there are a few extra things to pay attention to this holiday period. Calculating exactly how much stock you need this season is quite difficult, especially if you’re a small business struggling with cash flow. You can also offer customers the ability to buy a product in-store and have it sent to them when it does arrive in stock. This can also work for your online store.
4. Popup stores
Popup store is a concept where businesses install their store with limited products at an almost random location in public. This year, the open-air pop-up stores can turn into a goldmine for retailers. All you need is a unique layout, elegant printed boxes and another branding, and some free samples. Many department stores have seen shoppers come into pop up stores during the COVID-19. This means that shoppers buying everyday consumables can quickly get what they need and be gone.
5. Staff
This year you may hire more Christmas staff because your team will have more tasks to do. Tasks like cleaning rooms and sanitizing surfaces are necessary and consume time. With these new tasks comes extra training. Spend the time and ensure all temporary staff are trained related to health and safety.
Summing up
At the end of the day, the holiday period for your retail store is going to be prospering. But to get the most out of it, you need to prepare to coincide with the way your business has to now operate.
