Preparing for the Holiday Season: A Step-by-Step Guide

A few weeks ago, Road Runners co-hosted a retailer webinar with our partner The Boutique Hub.  The holiday season is retailers’ busiest and most profitable time of the year, but with these advance planning tips, hopefully it can be a little stressful. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get ahead of the game: 

 

  1. Content as easy as 1-2-3.

Step 1: Map out Key Dates by identifying major dates such as Black Friday, Pink Friday, and Christmas to build your strategy around. 

 

Step 2: Work Backwards from each major date and plan out the task at hand. Organize and plan: photos, props, graphics, emails & ad campaigns, and Facebook events. Contact your sales reps/vendors early for any needed stock and request giveaways. 

 

Step 3: Weekly Fill-Ins 
Make a schedule for new product drops to keep customers engaged throughout the season. Pre-plan: Live event videos, new product launches and short videos, and marketing stories to keep customers excited and coming in your door. 

 

  1. Staff Training

Ensure your team is prepped for the holiday rush, especially new employees that haven’t experienced the bustle of retail holidays. Establish clear daily duties and success metrics. Regularly train your team on product knowledge and themes like key gift ideas or special services (gift wrapping, layaway, shipping). Empower staff to come up with their own solutions or promotions. Build them up to deliver excellent customer service. 

 

  1. Customer Engagement

The holidays are all about human connection: 

How do you make customers feel? Offer flexible return policies and make the shopping experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. This also allows customers to not overthink or walk away from a purchase if a recipient can easily exchange the purchase. Stand out by offering personalized experiences, like hosting events (recipe exchanges, ugly sweater contests) or sharing family memories. 

 

  1. Promotions vs. Sales

Instead of focusing solely on discounts, try creative promotions like: Gifts with purchase, Swag for the first 25 customers, and January Bonus Bucks to encourage repeat business. 

 

  1. Customer Acquisition

It’s not just about getting new customers but retaining them. Plan how you will follow-up with a personal touch. Offer an unforgettable shopping experience and create a space where customers feel connected and taken care of. 

 

Thoughtful preparation can make all the difference in creating memorable experiences for your customers. By implementing these proven strategies from The Boutique Hub—planning your content, training your staff, engaging customers, and fostering connections—you’ll not only boost your sales but also build lasting relationships. This season is an opportunity to shine and showcase the warmth of your business, leaving your customers excited to return. Let’s make this holiday season your best one yet! 

 

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