8 Tips for Preparing a Retail Store for Christmas

There is no doubt that December is the busiest period for retailers. In 2018, Australian’s spend $26.2 billion dollars on Christmas shopping and gifts. As the busiest time of year fast approaches, here are our 8 tips for preparing a retail store for Christmas.

1.   Act Early.

Christmas is a stressful time of year for retailers, and the last thing any store owner needs to worry about it preparing their in-store design and Christmas decorations at the last minute. The most successful in-store layouts are the ones that are planned early. You may think it crazy to start planning your Christmas visual merchandising in October, but you’ll thank yourself in December.

2.   Plan your Window Display.

Everyone loves a Christmas window display. Whether you are located in a shopping centre, a busy street or a quiet nook, providing passers-by with a summary of your store offerings whilst also joining in the spirit of Christmas is very advantageous.  Showing off your new or popular products that make great Christmas gifts will inspire customers to purchase them for family or friends.

3.   Consider your Storefront Advertising.

You may think that by creating an inspiring window you don’t need to invest in any other storefront advertising, however it would be unwise not to. To really benefit from this busy retail season, it is beneficial to create a holistic display strategy. This strategy should include outdoor displays and street signage. Outdoor signage is a great opportunity to increase brand awareness or promote in-store offers, enticing more people into your store.

4.   Create Open Spaces to Accommodate Higher Volumes of Customers.

With higher foot traffic coming through your store, it is important to make sure that it is easy for customers to walk through. Plan the merchandise you will have on display during Christmas and plan how you can display it in the most space-effective way. Slatwall displays, showcases, and nesting table displays are cost-effective ways to improve the space within your store.  

5.   Update your POS Layout to Cater to Extra Traffic.

To cater to the increased sales you will experience during this festive season it is important to make sure your point of sale area is prepared. Ensure that you have enough cashier machines to process the influx of sales. If you only have one cashier machine, consider purchasing a second to accommodate the long lines of customers and relieve waiting times.

6.   Make it Easy for Customers to Find What They’re Looking For.

From your customers’ perspectives, there is nothing more stressful than walking through every isle of a store looking for one particular item. During such a busy time, it is important to create convenience for your customers. Providing clear signage around your store helps shoppers to find exactly what they need without feeling frustrated. To take advantage of your store space, it is recommended to use ceiling mounted signage, similar to how supermarkets label their isles. Using ceiling mounted signage will provide you with more floor space for your merchandise.

7.   Employ Casual Staff.

It is very common for retail stores to employ Christmas retail staff over this busy season. Extra staff will help to reduce large lines at the checkout, improve customer satisfaction, and make sure that your visual merchandising looks great.

8.   Considering Running a Promotion.

Although this is a ‘no brainer’, it is important to consider what type of promotion you will offer. Avoid using point systems and extra gift promotions; most people won’t have time to understand a point system, and a gift may appeal to some customers, but not to all. It is recommended that you use a monetary or 2 for 1 type deal. That way customers feel like they are getting the most value out of your business.

Christmas can be an incredibly stressful time for retailers. Planning early will help you to feel organised and in control, and most importantly, allow you to enjoy this magical time of year.