How To Profit This Holiday Season

It's October and time to sure up your holiday promotional plan. Create a calendar of when and what promotions you are launching. Then back into the "who" behind each event or activity. Get your staff on the same page and divide up the tasks. This keeps stress levels in check and allows you to get more done. Here are some holiday ideas to make the most of seasonal sales!

Wish List
A fun, interactive way to make sure your clients receive the gifts they want is have them fill out a Wish List. This can range from hair, body, skin, or cosmetics products. Ask them to include the email of the significant other or gift buyer of choice. Create an email campaign to send to these potential shoppers saying ...Psst you know a secret that is on their loved ones wish list. Offer them a printable list with a discount offer. This way they gift giver knows they are buying just the right gift and you are ringing up the sale!

VIP Sales Events
Offer special VIP events closed to the public. Mail or email invites to your VIP clients,Wish-List email recipients, or specific segments of your client list like Men-Only or Tweens. Offer refreshments, appetizers, event-only offers, and possible gift wrapping service. All these goodies will drive attendance and increase your overall sales.

Decorate

Your clients need to envision your business as a gifting location. Tastefully create selling retail displays with holiday bags, tissue, group product sets, and ready-to-go gifts in various price points. Make it inviting and use signage such as "Gift Center" or "Santa's Little Helper Station". Encourage engagement with try-me sample areas and keep it fresh by changing your displays through the season.

Gift Cards

Did you know that gift cards and certificates are the #1 retailing item? Stock up and don't miss the boat on this huge profit driver. Create a gift card display at your check out areas. Place signage at individual service stations as a friendly reminder. Don't forget coordinating packaging. Offer your gift cards elegantly boxed tied with a bow or in cute gift card bags. This increases the perceived value and makes it a easy gift for the gift giver. You can also offer downloadable gift cards on your website to drive instant gifts for those last minute shoppers.

Gift with Purchase

Take a tip from department stores. Offer a free gift with purchase such as a tote or travel bag. You can offer an additional discount for volume buyers or use successful promos such as "Buy one as a gift get a free product for yourself".  Free samples or discounts off future services also are popular ways to entice buyers.

Get Social

Shout your specials and events from your digital roof tops! Keep your social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter going with new content such as info about your offers and events. Hold contests for best holiday look or host raffles for prizes. Creating buzz and excitement about your sales will make them more successful.

These are a few ideas to get you going. Please share what is working for your business. Ring up those holiday profits starting today!