As a small business owner, it’s important that your customers feel connected to you—especially during the holiday season.
A genuine connection builds loyalty and encourages customers to choose your business over competitors. Two meaningful ways to build that connection are by giving back to your community and creating memorable experiences that engage your customers.
Give Back to Your Community
Sharing your blessings with those in need shows customers that your business cares about others. Many consumers today prefer to spend their money with companies that support meaningful causes. Here are some ways your business can give back this season:
Partner with local charities or food banks. Collect donations from customers and staff for organizations such as:
- Toys for Tots—set up a collection box for toy donations.
- Salvation Army Angel Tree—host an angel tag tree and accept gift drop-offs.
- Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child—be a shoebox drop-off location.
- Your local food bank—gather canned goods and other non-perishable items.
Donate a percentage of holiday profits.
- Allow customers to choose which charity their purchase supports.
- Partner with multiple nonprofits to appeal to a wider audience—such as a food bank, animal shelter, Make-a-Wish Foundation, or veterans’ organization.
Partner with nonprofits to provide hands-on service.
- Team up with a local salon to provide free haircuts at a senior living center.
- Partner with a disability support organization to host an accessible shopping day, with staff on hand to assist shoppers.
- Offer free oil changes or car repairs for women living in shelters.
Volunteer together as a team.
- Close your business for a few hours and volunteer as a group. You might host a holiday party for residents of a women’s shelter, wrap gifts for senior citizens, serve meals at a local soup kitchen, or deliver baked treats to police and fire departments. Volunteering as a team strengthens your workplace culture, boosts morale, and shows your customers that your business genuinely cares about the community.
Create Holiday Experiences
Festive events and experiences encourage customers to visit your business, linger longer, and connect on a personal level.
Host a Holiday Open House.
Many downtown districts hold open houses in November. Create an inviting, festive atmosphere with refreshments, music, and holiday décor. Offer exclusive open house deals or early-bird specials. If your business provides services, consider hosting an open house that also supports a local charity—guests could bring items or donations for a good cause.
Feature Local Artists or Makers.
Partner with local creators to showcase their work in your space.
- A salon could host a jewelry maker or a permanent makeup artist.
- A restaurant could feature local artisans in the lobby.
- A retail shop could hold a trunk show with a vendor.
Host Customer Events.
- Take photos with Santa or offer a festive photo backdrop.
- Set up a cookie-decorating or ornament-making station.
- Offer craft nights or centerpiece-making demonstrations.
- Host game nights such as holiday bingo or trivia, with small prizes.
Hold Holiday Contests.
- Run a children’s coloring contest with age-based prizes.
- Offer daily giveaways for loyalty members.
- Have a candy-jar guessing contest.
- Reward customers who post reviews or engage on social media.
- Post funny holiday photos and let followers caption them for prizes.
Wrapping Up
These ideas can help you connect with customers and strengthen relationships during the holiday season. Start planning your special events and charitable activities now, and you’ll create meaningful memories that keep your customers coming back all year long.
What are some ways your business engages with customers during the holidays? Share your ideas in the comments!
Susan's Reflections 