Sleigh the Season: How to Crush the Last 12 Days of Holiday Sales! 🎁

By Jennifer Murray

Congrats, retail rockstars! You have officially entered the final countdown. There are only 12 wonderful retail days left until the holiday shopping frenzy wraps up and 2024 takes its final bow. The next two weeks are your time to dazzle your customers! Your shelves are bursting with festive goodies, and your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to make this last stretch your most successful yet.

The holiday season is your golden ticket to rake in sales, charm your customers, and spread joy to pets and their humans alike. The best part? It’s not too late to crank up the hustle and make the most of the busiest time of the year. So, buckle up my retail friends-here are three easy steps to end an exhausting retail year as a sparkling success.

STEP 1

Deck the Shelves & Your Marketing!

Let’s face it—people shop with their eyes first.  I challenge you to pull out all the stops and turn your store into a festive wonderland no customer can resist. I want you to think twinkling lights, cheerful ornaments, and yes, even a pet-approved Christmas tree (because why should humans have all the fun?). You need to create holiday displays that scream “buy me!” with fun bright signs that read “Purr-fect Gifts” or “Pawsome Stocking Stuffers.”

And please remember the holiday vibes need to radiate beyond your store’s brick-and-mortar walls. Spread that seasonal cheer everywhere you can! Whip up digital gift guides, roll out merry email campaigns, design holiday flyers, and jazz up your social feeds with festive banners and stories. Basically, make it impossible for your customers to scroll or stroll past you without catching the festive holiday bug. This type of holiday magic will bring you success at the cash register and give your customers the festive omnipresent experience they didn’t know they were craving from small businesses.

STEP 2

Holiday Deals That Sleigh!

'Tis the season to sprinkle some savings magic! This is your chance to help your customers with the inflation blues and end their year off bright and merry. Entice your customers with irresistible holiday promos that’ll have them jingling all the way to checkout. If you focus on three easy deals to reward and delight, you are sure to attract loyal customers.

🎄 BOGO Bonanzas: Offer this type of deal on hot-ticket items customers know and love (because who doesn’t love a freebie?). BOGO specials are a great way to reward existing customers and attract new ones to your store for a great deal on a popular pet product.

🎁 Bundle Discounts: Offer your customers festive gift sets. This is perfect for last-minute shoppers and as a bonus you will also quickly move your seasonal inventory. It’s a win-win!

⭐ Loyalty Rewards Glow-Up: Double the points for December purchases, or offer a January bounce back coupon, because your regulars deserve an extra holiday gift for supporting your business. 

Don’t let these festive holiday deals be a secret! Shout them out loud and proud through email blasts, attention-grabbing social media ads, and in-store signage. Let the holiday savings spree begin!

STEP 3

Take the Reigns and Conquer the Holiday Rush

with Streamlined Operations!

When the holiday sales avalanche hits, you’ve got to be ready to ride the wave like a seasoned retail professional. Here are four areas of retail operations you need to perfect to keep your store running smoother than a reindeer sleigh landing on a snowy rooftop.

🎁 Stock Smarts: Keep your shelves stocked just right—no Grinch-level shortages or overstuffed backrooms allowed! Remember your distributors will be closed during the holidays so make sure you have noted the holiday schedule and prepared your store for the delivery interruptions. 

🤝 Team Spirit: Get your crew prepped and pumped to handle the hustle with stellar customer service. Ask your favourite vendors to bring treats & snacks throughout the month of December to keep morale high. You can also offer a Christmas eve lunch to keep your team fueled and festive on the last shopping day before Christmas. A happy team keeps your festive momentum going strong!

🚗 Shop Your Way: Offer curbside pickup, home delivery, and online ordering—because convenience is the gift that keeps on giving.

🕒 Extra Time to Shine: Extend store hours for those last-minute Santas scrambling to find the perfect gift.

Getting your store ready for the holidays isn’t just about decorations—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences that keep your customers (and their pets) coming back. In today’s competitive retail landscape, staying relevant means offering something special that shoppers won’t find online. The holiday season is your chance to wow new store visitors and treat your loyal customers like the VIPs they truly are.

I encourage you to use these final twelve days to fully embrace the festive spirit: roll out deals that make wallets happy, perfect your operations for a smooth shopping experience, and bring the holiday magic to life in your store. Nail it, and you won’t just end 2024 on a high note—you’ll set the stage for a 2025 filled with loyal customers, happy moments, and booming sales. When you spread holiday joy, it’s a win-win for everyone-your customers, their pets, and your business!

About the Author:

Jennifer Murray is the Founder of Murray Pet Sales & Consulting, a Canadian company committed to providing executive-level support to founders, entrepreneurs, brands, and retail pet stores. Our mission is to empower pet-related businesses as they launch or expand within the competitive pet industry space. To learn more about the services offered by Murray Pet Sales & Consulting please connect with us on LinkedIn: Murray Pet Sales & Consulting.