5 Tips to Increase In-Store Christmas Sales

During the holidays, product promotions are at their peak. Retailers and brands do whatever it takes to be seen and heard because this is the prime season for businesses to make their sales.

Since people need to shop for the Christmas holidays, all this marketing doesn’t annoy customers the way it might throughout the rest of the year. People are on the lookout for new gift ideas they haven’t heard of before and unique presents that will impress their loved ones.

Brands have to differentiate themselves from the host of other companies vying for a spot in the customer’s mind. From connecting with people weeks and months before the holidays to offering last-minute solutions in the eleventh hour, these tips will increase in-store Christmastime sales.

1. Develop a daily promotion calendar.

Stay in line with the holiday spirit of giving by offering a different promotion every day. Customers will get daily reminders to shop and pick up the things they need while regularly seeing your brand information.

Vary the promotions. Some can have the goal of directly leading to a sale. Others will provide value to the customer and frame your company as a brand that understands the needs of holiday shoppers.

Consider adding these valuable, engaging items to your calendar:

• Discounts on select products
• Gift buying tips
• Holiday recipes
• Limited-time coupon codes
• Wrapping tips and embellishments

2. Create gift buying guides.

During the holidays, people are searching for the perfect present, and everyone has at least one or two people who are especially difficult to shop for. Put together a gift guide that includes items for everyone on the list, from family pets and grandparents to cousins you rarely see and co-workers. Hand out the guide when people enter the store. Chances are they’ll be thankful for the extra help.

You can also provide samples to passing footfall outside your store or on the streets, using product sampling staff who have the previous experience and the correct qualifications. 

Additionally, consider providing a larger product catalog so that serious shoppers can browse everything you have to offer. Busy stores teeming with crowds are difficult to navigate and shoppers love knowing exactly what they’re going to buy. Arm your in-store promotional staff with knowledge about what’s in stock and where each product can be found.

3. Ask your customers for feedback. 

When you empower customers, you make them feel like part of the brand. People like to know that they affect how a company does business. As customers walk into the store or enter different shop sections, ask them to make a simple decision, like choosing between two similar products. You can also find out which products they wish

 were on sale. Present them with a same-day coupon as a “thank you” for participating. You’ll engage shoppers, show off some of your products and glean insight about what your customers want.

4. Setup an instant prize system.

Invite shoppers to spin a prize wheel or participate in a blind drawing to win freebies and discounts. People love getting anything for free and simple giveaways can include add-ons to purchases or branded swag. Every customer should win something that they wouldn’t be able to get for free elsewhere. Need to entice people to head to your attraction? Use bright colors that will stand out from the rest of the colors in your shop and nearby stores.

5. Master the art of up-selling.

Promotional staff should be well-trained when it comes to which products work well together. Customers don’t always know that there’s an additional purchase they can make that will complement their initial purchase. The brand will make more sales and the customer will get

 added value from the product.

6. Give customers a way to access discounts online.

Ask incoming customers if they have a coupon to use that day. If they don’t, let them know how they can access a coupon online. This is sometimes better than giving a customer a hard copy coupon and adding to their pile of things to carry. Encourage customers to share the coupon with their friends on social media.

Effective promotions don’t have to look like obvious advertising. Give people something they need, like lower prices or shopping guidance, without relying on traditional overbearing marketing techniques.