Tag: lifestyle

Shower Your Customers with Love This Valentine’s Day

My local downtown merchants have joined together to create a Galentine’s Chocolate Crawl—a fun, creative event designed to celebrate friendship (and chocolate!). The target audience is women who want to spend time with friends while enjoying sweet treats and shopping locally.

Participants receive a box to collect chocolate candies from local merchants, along with exclusive discounts at select shops. The event isn’t held on Valentine’s Day itself, but rather on the first Friday in February, aligning with the monthly First Friday event when merchants stay open late to draw more foot traffic downtown.

This is a fantastic example of how retailers and restaurants can collaborate to attract customers during a traditionally slower time of year. February can feel long, cold, and dark—but events like this create energy, community, and a reason to get out and shop. Importantly, this event doesn’t replace Valentine’s spending; it adds another opportunity for customers to enjoy themselves with friends while browsing for the perfect Valentine’s gift.

Each stop on the crawl offers a sense of delight—friends wonder what chocolate they’ll receive next while discovering new shops and gift ideas. It’s a win for customers and a win for local businesses.

While it may be too late to organize a large-scale event this Valentine’s Day, there is still plenty of time to attract shoppers looking for thoughtful, last-minute gifts. Below are easy-to-implement ideas you can promote quickly through newsletters, email campaigns, and social media.

Simple Valentine’s Promotions You Can Launch Quickly

Create pre-packaged gift bundles.
Make it easy for shoppers—especially husbands and partners who want a thoughtful gift but need a little help. Depending on your product mix, bundles could include soaps, bath bombs, candles, chocolates, books, costume jewelry, teas, mugs, cookies, or perfume.
You can also collaborate with another local business to expand your offerings. Offer multiple bundle sizes at different price points to meet a variety of budgets.

Offer build-your-own gift bundles.
Provide baskets, boxes, or colorful bags and allow customers to select their own items. Pricing is based on the items chosen, giving shoppers flexibility while still encouraging higher-value purchases.

Elevate the experience with creative gift wrapping.
Use Valentine-themed tissue paper, heart stickers, ribbons, bows, confetti, and romantic gift tags. These small details help your business stand out and save customers time.

Add sweet touches to the shopping experience.
Offer chocolates, hot cider, or Valentine’s cookies while customers shop. These simple gestures make customers feel appreciated and encourage them to linger longer in your store.

Encourage friends to shop together.
Offer 2-for-1 or “shop with a friend” promotions—such as 20% off when both shoppers make a purchase. Increase engagement by creating a Valentine-themed photo spot where friends can snap selfies.

Surprise your best customers.
Show appreciation by offering a free small gift with a qualifying purchase. Send an email to your best customers inviting them to select a surprise gift bag. Include inexpensive but appealing items like candles, bath bombs, chocolates, heart-shaped cookies, or small gift cards.

Promote “buy one, gift one” bundles.
Encourage customers to treat themselves while gifting a second item to a friend. Examples include mugs and tea, candles, notepads and pens, or truffles and coffee.

Tie purchases to a charitable cause.
Make a donation for each Valentine’s purchase to a local women’s shelter, animal shelter, or community organization your customers care about. Contributions can be a flat amount, a percentage of sales, or a percentage of profits during Valentine’s week.

Host a Valentine’s giveaway.
Allow customers to enter by making a purchase or engaging with your social media—such as posting a Valentine’s message or tagging a friend. Offer a gift basket or a gift certificate redeemable after Valentine’s Day.

Personalize customer appreciation gifts.
Choose gifts that reflect your customers’ values. For pet lovers, offer a dog treat or pet biscuit. For sustainability-minded customers, a seed packet labeled “Thanks for helping us grow” is both thoughtful and memorable.

As a small business owner, you have many opportunities to celebrate your customers this Valentine’s Day while helping them celebrate the people they love. Remember—without your customers, you do not have a business. They are worthy of your gratitude and care.

“Let all that you do be done with love.”
1 Corinthians 16:14

TOP HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR 2025: What Shoppers are Buying this Season

Whether you operate a retail store, a hospitality business, or a service-based company, it’s helpful to know what shoppers are buying and what gift recipients are wishing for as you plan your inventory and holiday promotions. This year, gift-givers are looking for items that are functional, meaningful, or provide a memorable experience.

Here are some of the most in-demand gifts for the 2025 season—spanning a wide range of price points—to help you curate options that appeal to all types of shoppers.

Technology and Gadgets

  • Smartwatch bands
  • Bluetooth device trackers
  • Wireless charging stations
  • Fitness trackers
  • Drones
  • Smartwatches
  • 3D printers
  • Virtual reality headsets

Pampering Gifts

  • Scented candles, especially those that enhance décor
  • Cuddle blankets
  • Quilted sweatshirts
  • Smart mugs
  • Fragrance mist bundles
  • Trade coffee subscriptions
  • Back and neck massagers
  • Towel warmers

Toys for Little Kids

  • Squishmallows
  • LEGO Botanicals
  • Melissa & Doug Simmer & Stir Play Set
  • Play-Doh Barbie Fashion Show Sets
  • 3D printing pens
  • Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Activity Table
  • Robotic pets
  • Interactive furReal stuffed animals

Toys for Big Kids and Adults

  • Magnetic dartboards
  • Glow-in-the-dark basketballs
  • Tetris™ Micro Player Console
  • Vinyl record players
  • Wireless gaming keyboards
  • AirPods
  • Portable Bluetooth speakers
  • Nintendo Switch 2

Culinary Gifts

  • Zester/grater
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Spice grinder
  • Pasta machine
  • Mini food processor
  • Sous vide cooker
  • Blue carbon steel wok
  • Outdoor pizza oven

Gifts for Senior Citizens

  • Large-print puzzle books
  • Streaming service subscriptions
  • Memory foam slippers
  • Pampering gift baskets with lotions, lip balm, and bath salts
  • Gourmet snack boxes
  • Heated throw blankets
  • Touch lamps
  • Robot vacuums

Gifts for Travelers

  • Airplane phone holder
  • Airplane foot hammock
  • International travel plug adapter
  • Travel organizer for electronics
  • Portable espresso maker
  • Silk pajamas
  • Smart swim goggles
  • Leather deluxe travel bag

Unique Experiences and Luxury Gifts

  • Behind-the-scenes tours
  • Private tasting parties
  • Hot air balloon rides
  • Deluxe spa packages for couples
  • Exclusive beach dinners
  • Private cooking demonstrations by chefs
  • Therabody Smart Goggles
  • “Live Like a Legend” luxury travel package

As you prepare for the holiday season, offer gifts across a wide range of price points. Most shoppers will be looking for value, while others will be seeking one-of-a-kind experiences and luxury items for their loved ones. Make sure your staff is knowledgeable and ready to help customers make confident, informed purchasing decisions this season.

Attract Holiday Shoppers Online and In-Store

If you want a successful holiday season, your first task is to attract shoppers to your business. You can do this by creating enticing marketing promotions, decorating your store or website to capture attention, and offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere once customers arrive. Here are some creative ideas to help you draw in potential shoppers this season.

Brick-and-Mortar Retail Stores

  • Design eye-catching window displays. Use creative holiday décor—especially pieces that include movement—to attract attention. Feature new or seasonal merchandise and rotate displays every week or two to keep things fresh.
  • Showcase your bestsellers. Include a “Christmas Wish List” in your window with products ranging from your most affordable to your premium items to show that you have gifts for every budget.
  • Add digital displays. Use a small screen or slideshow to highlight featured products and inform potential customers of your inventory even when your store is closed.
  • Create a festive atmosphere. Holiday music and simple refreshments—such as hot cider, coffee, or cookies—encourage shoppers to linger.
  • Offer samples. If you sell food products, let customers taste-test items before buying.
  • Provide seating. A comfortable spot for companions of shoppers can extend how long customers browse.
  • Host exclusive experiences. Reward loyal customers with special early-access shopping events or trunk shows.
  • Plan special appearances. Invite Santa or a local musician to entertain shoppers and bring in more foot traffic.
  • Provide gift-wrapping services. Partner with a local school or club to offer gift wrapping as a fundraiser.
  • Give back. Donate a portion of profits to a local charity and promote this partnership in your advertising and in-store signage.
  • Highlight local products. Share the stories of your local suppliers with framed displays or flyers near their merchandise.

Restaurants

  • Offer limited-time holiday menus with festive entrées, desserts, and beverages.
  • Collaborate with nearby businesses. Partner with local retailers to host early shopping breakfasts or special dining-and-shopping packages.
  • Support local artisans. Allow artists or craftspeople to display and sell their items in your waiting area.
  • Create relaxation packages. Partner with a nearby spa for a “break from the holiday hustle” special, or offer a couples’ package that includes a massage or carriage ride.
  • Offer holiday catering or “take-and-heat” meals for customers who want festive food without the work.
  • Host themed events. Plan fun nights like “Ugly Sweater Night” or “Grinch Night,” and reward participants with a free appetizer or dessert.
  • Give back to the community. Support toy drives or local charities and reward customers who participate with discounts or free items.
  • Feature live entertainment. Invite local musicians or choir groups to perform during the season.

Online Shopping Sites

  • Run strategic promotions. Announce limited-time offers on your social media platforms and create urgency with countdowns or flash sales.
  • Engage your customers. Use email campaigns to promote new products and upcoming specials.
  • Add festive website elements. Incorporate holiday-themed banners, animations, or gentle falling snow to create a seasonal feel that keeps shoppers on your site longer.
  • Simplify purchasing. Offer free shipping, easy returns, and multiple payment options—including digital wallets—to reduce purchase hesitation.
  • Bundle gifts. Create curated gift sets and lists organized by price point, recipient, or interest.
  • Encourage return visits. Send special discounts to first-time buyers or reminders to customers who left items in their cart.

Final Thoughts

These strategies can help attract shoppers to your store, restaurant, or website—and keep them engaged once they arrive. Be creative, offer variety, and maintain a welcoming atmosphere. When your business feels festive and customer-focused, you’ll not only increase holiday sales but also build long-term loyalty that lasts well beyond the season.

Remote Work Trends You Should Know

The way we work has changed dramatically in recent years. Remote work, once limited to a few industries, became mainstream during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a necessity has now evolved into an expectation for many employees. Flexibility in work location is often used as a bargaining chip to attract and retain talent, and new workplace trends have emerged as a result.

In this blog, we’ll look at three of the most talked-about trends—coffee badging, workcations, and digital nomadism—and what they mean for small business owners and managers.

Coffee Badging

Coffee badging is when employees make a brief appearance in the office—long enough to swipe their badge, grab a coffee, and connect with colleagues—before heading home to work remotely. While not every employee literally swipes in, the term has stuck to describe this trend.

In fact, I sometimes coffee badge myself on days I work remotely. I’ll come in for a staff meeting, chat for a few minutes afterward, and then return home where I can be more productive without office distractions.

The positives of coffee badging:

  • Creates opportunities for employees to connect in person, which can spark collaboration and problem-solving.
  • Breaks the isolation of remote work.
  • Helps employees maintain visibility and presence in the workplace without being tied to the office full-time.
  • Supports work-life balance while keeping connections intact.

The drawbacks of coffee badging:

  • Brief interactions may not be enough to build strong teams.
  • Employees who live far from the office may be excluded.
  • Some workers show up only to be seen, without contributing.

How leaders can make coffee badging effective:

  • Focus in-office meetings on activities that benefit from face-to-face interaction.
  • Use these times to recognize and encourage employees.
  • Ensure fully remote employees aren’t left out of opportunities or recognition.
  • Create a welcoming environment with coffee, snacks, and comfortable spaces.

Workcations

A “workcation” happens when employees travel to a vacation spot but continue working while they’re away. The appeal is obvious—new scenery, a chance to unwind after work hours, and often a boost in creativity. But without boundaries, workcations can blur the line between work and rest.

Tips to make workcations effective:

  • Employees should communicate clearly with their manager about work hours, especially if in a different time zone.
  • Reliable internet is a must—check this before booking.
  • Take at least a few true vacation days during the trip to fully recharge.
  • Plan around mandatory meetings and let travel companions know your schedule.

Digital Nomadism

Digital nomadism goes a step further: it’s not just a week away, but a lifestyle of traveling and working from anywhere. Enabled by the internet, this trend has grown significantly in the last 15 years. Today, many digital nomads are not just freelancers but full-time employees negotiating this flexibility with their companies.

Benefits:

  • Flexibility to live and work anywhere.
  • Exposure to new cultures and lifestyles.
  • Potential for improved work-life balance.

Challenges:

  • Navigating work permits and visa requirements.
  • Understanding tax and employment laws.
  • Coordinating across time zones with colleagues.
  • Protecting sensitive company data abroad.

Final Thoughts

Remote work has created both opportunities and challenges. Coffee badging, workcations, and digital nomadism are trends that reflect employees’ desire for flexibility and balance. As a small business owner, you don’t need to embrace every trend, but it is wise to understand them.

Take time to evaluate which positions in your company can be done effectively outside the office. Develop clear guidelines for remote work, and balance flexibility with accountability. Done right, offering remote options can help you attract and retain top talent who might not otherwise consider your business.