The winter season brings about a bustle on the high street with people across the country rushing out to enjoy festive shopping. It is a period of increased spend across the country, where many retailers will inevitably generate the greatest sales figures of their entire year.
This period, however, is not entirely about sales figures. It is also a great opportunity to reach customers old and new, while simultaneously outshining the competition and affirming a place on the high street as a business valued by the local community.
Reveal New Products
The launch of a new product can be an exciting opportunity for retailers promising, that is, its launch reaches customer attention. Should a product launch quietly, it’s unlikely to have the impact or the profits, that retailers hope for.
This is why the festive season, a period when high street retailers will see the greatest number of customers, is an ideal time to reveal a new product.
Design For Bustle
The increased footfall during a festive period isn’t always assured to have a positive impact. In fact, if a store space cannot comfortably accommodate a larger number of customers, their negative experience can lead them to have a lower impression of a brand.
Stores with adaptable furniture and shelving, especially modular fittings such as slatwall panels, are better equipped to change, allowing retailers to rearrange their interior design during different periods.
Offer Training
Sales representatives are likely to be very busy during the festive period, engaging with customers each day. As such, it can be an ideal opportunity for them to build new relationships with customers while also communicating promotions and product information to a larger audience.
To ensure this opportunity is best-taken advantage of, it can be worthwhile for business owners to spend time with their staff, offering training, to ensure that they are ready and confident before the season begins.
Host Sales
Whether you’re looking to clear storage space of old products or increase spend per head, hosting an early sale, one that takes place prior to the New Year and even before Boxing Day, can be a good idea. Retail sales also encourage customers to engage with brands, favouring lower prices and having positive associations of value.
Reduced items can also help to increase the sales of other related items too, meaning it can be worthwhile for retailers to bundle products together.
Embrace Festivity
Alongside the festive joy of customers, retailers should also seek to celebrate the season by creating an atmosphere full of good tidings. By cultivating a positive atmosphere and embracing the season well, shoppers are more likely to be drawn into a retail space, wanting to enjoy the atmosphere.
Be sure, however, not to overwhelm shoppers with Christmas cheer. It is easy to forget that each high street space is likely to be filled with decorations and music, meaning that customers can quickly feel overwhelmed. Consider a more understated approach to the season, creating a warm atmosphere that isn’t too demanding.
Infographic Created By Clover, Intuitive Retail POS Systems and Software
