Preparing Your Store For the Christmas Season

Experienced retailers will understand that to get the most out of seasonal trade businesses must adapt themselves. This encompasses more than simply adding extra and temporary employees to the rota because no matter how well staffed your store is, its physical order and design will ultimately limit the potential efficiency and attitude of shoppers.

This adaptation works both ways too and not solely for busier seasons. During the quieter periods of the year, it can be beneficial for your store to adapt too, such as by adding more stock or displays to the shop floor in areas that may previously have been needed for customer space. Finding such a balance helps to maximise your profits.

As we are now approaching the festive seasons, with some shops already selling decorations, here are the top retail tips for preparing and adapting your store ready for Christmas.

Less Really Is More

From the perspective of a shopper, the Christmas season is prone to stress. Huge crowds hit the streets, all looking to secure everything they need for gifts, with more simply outside wanting to experience the festivity. Some shops may be inclined to load their shelves will stock and fill their walls with posters and standoffs. However, while increasing your brand activity may seem like a good idea, one that might make the most of increased custom, occasionally this can be detrimental.

Shoppers who are active during busy periods are prone to be efficient, wanting to avoid as much stress as possible. If a store doesn’t do its best to support an easy and relaxed shopping experience, it may see customers looking elsewhere.

Advertise With Quality

During the festive holidays, most businesses experience their highest earnings, with more customers visiting their store than any other month of the year. This is an ideal time to impress customers and expand your audience, which is why stores like John Lewis and House of Fraser dedicate time and expense to high-quality seasonal displays.

This can be done by equipping your store with brilliant retail furniture, from freestanding shelves to cable display kits, ensuring that every part of your store appeals to new customers who will be visiting for the first time.

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Interestingly, in addition to bespoke items, reputable retail furniture suppliers, such as Crown Display (who recently acquired Hobday), see an increase in demand for customised furniture too, which demonstrates the potential lengths certain brands will go to in bringing unique, high-quality shop design to their store during the Christmas season.

Be Festive (Within Reason)

A common complaint of the festive season is its length. Each year customers hunt down the earliest example of a festive display and laud its overeagerness. While some may feel festive early on, seeing Christmas trees in September or October creates early festive fatigue. This is something to keep in mind when designing your own store.

Overloaded displays, excessive tinsel, and constant Christmas hits not only quickly tire, having an adverse effect, but it is often the same aesthetic offering across the entire high street.

It’s possible to be festive and welcoming without falling into cliche. With a little consideration and a little style, you’ll be able to stand out from the crowd and give your customers something different, as well as a place to escape the continuous play of All I Want For Christmas (Is You)!