BUSINESS AMANDA CHALMERS
Amanda Chalmers: Photo by Dave Perry Photography
TINSEL, TIMELINES, AND TILLS
HOW SMALL RETAIL BUSINESSES CAN TACKLE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THE SEASONAL STRAIN
Welcome to our November Business column from local journalist and multi-award-winning PR Amanda Chalmers. Amanda is a journalist and editor whose experience on newspapers and magazines spans three decades. Each month she takes a closer look at some of the topics that affect small businesses as well as offering some of her valuable top tips for PR.
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some key pieces of advice to ensure you’re in the best possible position to take advantage of those jingle tills. . .
Audit stock early: Look at sales data from previous years to identify your top sellers and flag slow-moving items. Order key inventory early to buffer against supplier delays.
Define final order cut-offs: Work closely with your shipping partners to set clear, realistic last-order dates for guaranteed Christmas delivery. Communicate these dates prominently on your website, email newsletters, and social channels.
Prepare a contingency plan: Have back-up suppliers or alternative shipping methods ready in case your primary routes experience bottlenecks.
For small business owners, autumn marks the start of the most critical season of the year.
The golden quarter can make or break annual targets, but navigating increased demand, inventory management, and marketing noise can leave even the most seasoned entrepreneur feeling a bit burnt out before December even arrives.
Preparing for Christmas doesn't have to mean working around the clock though. By breaking down your festive strategy into manageable phases now, you can set your business up for a smooth, profitable holiday season.
Supply chain hiccups and delivery delays are the fastest way to turn festive cheer into customer dissatisfaction. So, here are
When it comes to your pre-Christmas marketing, remember to target it to both early and late shoppers. Holiday shopping habits vary wildly - some customers complete their lists by mid-November, while others buy in a panic on December 23rd. Your marketing strategy needs to speak to both.
Some ideas. . .
Launch quiet previews: Reward existing customers or email subscribers with early access to holiday gift guides, bundles, or promotional discounts.
Promote gift cards and digital options: As cutoff dates pass, pivot your messaging toward digital gift vouchers, experiences, or instant-download items to capture last-minute buyers.
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