There are about 3.7 million retail small businesses in the United States. Small businesses are a significant part of the retail landscape, making up around 98% of all retail. What could your marketing strategy do to promote your business this holiday season, even at the last minute? Opinions vary on this and it completely depends on what type of retail business you have… This is a mobile world, so focusing on digital strategies are easiest and most efficient way to share your promotions. Here are things you can do to capitalize on the holiday rush today:

1. Inventory Check: Too many retailers miss this step and miss out on sales. Identify best-sellers or items you want to push. Ensure you have enough stock, and if not, order it as soon as possible.
2. Last-Minute Marketing: Leverage social media and email marketing to reach your audience quickly. Create engaging posts with countdowns, special discounts, or limited-time offers. Facebook and Instagram ads can give you quick visibility and reach. Start a hashtag campaign to encourage sharing.
3. Quick Promotions: Take advantage of what draws shoppers to your store and try offers such as BOGOs, flash sales, loyalty card offers at the point of sale that get you a discount the next time the shopper visits, etc.
4. Prepare for Black Friday/Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday: It’s not too late to plan a special promotion for these high-traffic days. Even a small discount, bundle deal, or gift with purchase can attract shoppers.
5. Curbside Pickup: Many shoppers seek convenience. Highlight these options if you offer them, especially for last-minute gift buyers.
6. Personal Shopping: Offer personalized assistance or “concierge” shopping services for Dec. 23rd and 24th. This could be a staff member dedicated to helping customers find the perfect gift.
7. Decorate and Create a Holiday Atmosphere: A no-brainer, but take extra care to create a festive, welcoming ambiance to attract more foot traffic and enhance the shopping experience. Have a treat zone or a gift-wrapping station. Free will donations for wrapping can be very successful if you tie it to a charitable donation. Don’t forget holiday scents and music go a long way to entice shoppers.
8. Special Displays: Create eye-catching displays around your best sellers, Try themed Product Sections: like “Stocking Stuffers,” “Gifts Under $25,” or “For the Person Who Has Everything” or “For the Man Who Doesn’t Know What to Gift.”
9. Photo Spots: “Holiday Selfie Spot” with a store-branded backdrop and props encourage customers to tag your store on social media. Display a unique hashtag to make it easy to track and re-share.
10. QR Codes with Online-Exclusive Perks: Use QR codes around the store that lead to exclusive online offers, extended product information, or even a special holiday playlist.
11. Videos: Americans love their reels and videos – about 73% of the population watches video. Give a tour of your store, showcase holiday products, or do on-the-spot interviews with employees to share excitement in the store.
12. Digital Marketing: From simple or complex, this must be a part of your holiday promotions. Boosting a post on Facebook or managing multiple campaigns in Google AdWords could be the push your holiday promotion needs.
13. Email Marketing: Tap into repeat buyers and your loyal customers. Send out special emails with promotional offers only they receive. Use a promo code specific to them for extra loyalty savings this holiday.

Retailers, remember that the holiday rush sets you up for the long game. Even though most rely on the holiday to improve the bottom line, promotions for future sales must be kept in mind. Many of our tips have a lasting value for future sales. Need help? Amplimark can assist you make a splash this holiday season. Contact us from our website, call us at 515-225-6438, or email us at projects@amplimark.com.