Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are behind us for 2024, and by all accounts, it’s been a banner year for sales. But don’t let the post-Black Friday lull fool you—there’s still plenty of shopping to be done!
In fact, it’s estimated that 79% of Christmas spending happens in the two weeks leading up to the holiday, with as much as 35% of the total spending occurring during the final week before Christmas. So now is the time to make sure you’re doing everything you can to attract those last-minute shoppers to your store or website.
Here are a few ideas to help you drive traffic and boost sales in the final stretch of the holiday season:
1. Create Eye-Catching Displays (Online & In-Store)
A standout window display or striking website image can work wonders in grabbing attention. For example, a local dress store caught a lot of eyes by placing a dress on a skeleton with the humorous sign: “Does this dress make me look fat?” Other businesses get creative with holiday-themed windows or festive website banners. Some of our local stores are even famous for their annual holiday window displays, which customers eagerly anticipate all year long. If you can make people smile or spark their curiosity, you’ve already piqued their interest!
2. Promote Products at a Range of Price Points
Make sure your customers know you have gifts for every budget. Create a “Gift Suggestions” list to display both in-store and online. Start with lower-priced items and work your way up to higher-end options. This shows customers that you cater to a wide range of shoppers—whether they’re looking for an affordable stocking stuffer or a luxurious splurge. A thoughtfully curated gift guide can be a great conversation starter and help you drive more sales across different price ranges.
3. Offer Flash Sales to Drive Urgency
Flash sales are a great way to create a sense of urgency. Consider running short-term sales that are exclusive to a few hours of the day, or one-day promotions that offer deep discounts. These kinds of limited-time deals encourage customers to act fast, fearing they’ll miss out if they wait too long.
4. Make Shopping as Easy as Possible
The holiday season can be hectic for your customers. Help them out by offering flexible shopping options. Local shoppers may appreciate the ability to buy online and pick up in-store. If you’re exclusively online, make sure to highlight fast delivery options that guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. For in-store traffic, ensure you have plenty of sales associates ready to assist, and if you offer online support, make sure your customer service is easily accessible to help with last-minute questions.
5. Instill Urgency with Countdown Timers
There’s nothing like a countdown clock to get shoppers moving. Consider adding a countdown timer to your website or even in your store window to show how many days, hours, or minutes are left until Christmas. The ticking clock will create a sense of urgency and remind customers they need to make their purchases before it’s too late.
6. Leverage Social Media to Promote Deals & Share Holiday Cheer
Social media is an invaluable tool for driving holiday sales. Use it to highlight your best deals, share special promotions, and showcase gift ideas. But don’t forget to mix in posts that spread holiday cheer without any sales pitch. Share heartwarming Christmas moments, winter scenes, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your holiday preparations. These posts create emotional connections with your audience, making your brand feel more relatable and memorable.
Final Thoughts
The holidays can be a stressful time for shoppers, and the easier you can make their experience, the more likely they are to spend money with you and return to your business in the future. So take a deep breath, get creative, and make sure your business stands out in these final days before Christmas!
Wishing you a successful and joyful holiday season.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” — Luke 2:14
Susan's Reflections 