The holidays may be winding down, but for small business owners, the days following Christmas and leading up to New Year’s Eve are full of opportunities to drive sales, clear inventory, and engage with customers. Here’s how you can make the most of this critical shopping period:
Plan Strategic After Christmas Sales
Many shoppers look forward to after-Christmas sales to snag deals on items they didn’t receive as gifts. Offer enticing discounts on holiday-themed merchandise, excess inventory, or bestsellers to attract bargain hunters. Consider promotions such as:
- Bundle Discounts: Encourage customers to buy more by bundling related products at a discounted price.
- Clearance Sales: Move seasonal items quickly with steep discounts.
- Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) Offers: These are always crowd-pleasers and can help move inventory efficiently.
Promote Gift Card Redemptions
With many customers receiving gift cards for Christmas, the week after is prime time for redemptions. This is a great time to make the best of your after Christmas sales by encouraging more people to shop by using the gift cards they just received. Make it easy and attractive for gift card holders to shop by:
- Highlighting items that pair well with your gift card values.
- Offering a small bonus (e.g., 10% off or free gift wrapping) for gift card purchases or redemptions.
Promote Your After Christmas Sales on Social Media and Email Marketing
Shoppers are still in the holiday mood and are likely browsing social media and checking their emails for deals. Use this opportunity to:
- Post flash sales and exclusive offers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Send out an email newsletter with a countdown to New Year’s Eve and highlight your best deals.
- Create urgency by emphasizing limited-time offers and dwindling stock.
Check out our past article on Christmas-time digital marketing ideas, but repurpose them for after Christmas sales instead.
Refresh Your Store Displays
Whether you’re operating a brick-and-mortar shop or an online store, your visuals matter. Transition from Christmas-themed decor to a fresh, New Year’s vibe:
- Replace holiday displays with themes of renewal, wellness, and celebration.
- Highlight products related to New Year’s resolutions, such as fitness gear, planners, or self-care items.
Offer New Year’s Eve-Themed Deals
Capitalize on the festive spirit of the season by promoting products or services tailored to New Year’s Eve celebrations. Ideas include:
- Party supplies, decor, and outfits for NYE gatherings.
- Special discounts on sparkling beverages or gourmet treats.
- Exclusive experiences, like hosting a small NYE event or offering holiday packages.
Prepare for Returns and Exchanges
Post-Christmas often means handling returns and exchanges. Make the process seamless and stress-free for your customers by:
- Clearly posting your return policy both in-store and online.
- Training staff to handle returns with efficiency and a positive attitude.
- Upselling during exchanges by suggesting complementary items.
Incentivize Early Shopping for 2025
Encourage customers to get a head start on the new year by:
- Offering early-bird discounts on memberships, services, or subscriptions.
- Launching sneak peeks or pre-orders for upcoming products.
- Providing a bonus for customers who book appointments or services for January.
Track and Analyze Holiday Sales Data
The period between Christmas and New Year’s is also an excellent time to review your holiday sales performance. Analyze what worked, what didn’t, and identify trends to inform your strategy for next year. If you don’t analyze your data, you won’t be able to prepare for next year and it is NEVER too early to be ready for next year.
Engage with Your Community
Lastly, keep building connections with your customers. Thank them for their support during the holiday season and invite them to share their shopping experiences with your business on social media. A little gratitude goes a long way in fostering loyalty.
By following these tips, you can turn the post-Christmas shopping period into a profitable and engaging time for your small business. Start planning now and step into the new year with momentum and success!
Do you need assistance with your digital marketing or website in the new year? Don’t hesitate to contact us!