Countdown to Christmas is On!

With Thanksgiving out of the way and Halloween around the corner, the countdown is now on to Christmas. For many, this is a period that will see sales increase and customers become more demanding. It is essential that you plan for this period with meticulous detail so you are ready to take on the challenges of the festive season.

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Sound financial planning and stock management make all the difference

It is likely that sales will increase during this period as people seek out the perfect Christmas presents for their friends, family and loved ones. Update your financial forecasts and make sure you are prepared to order sufficient inventory to keep the shelves stocked and your customers satisfied.

Check early with your franchisor to find out what their sales forecasts are and whether they will be running any special offers or promotions you need to publicize. They will have a good idea of what products will be more in demand and can advise you on how to optimize your inventory.

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Booming businesses need sufficient staff

Knowing that the next six weeks are likely to be among the busiest of the year means that you can ensure you have the staffing you need to provide your customers with a great experience. Check that all of your current staff are available for the shifts you have in mind. If any employees need time off for family or religious commitments, try to accommodate these requests.

You may need to bring in seasonal staff to cover gaps in your workforce or bolster your capacity during this period. You are unlikely to be the only business owner in your area considering the need for temporary staff, so advertise your positions early and remember to be transparent about the salary, working environment and hours you are offering to try to attract top talent.

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Demanding customers require exceptional customer service

It is approaching the time of year when shops are busier, service gets slower and customers become stressed as they try to create the "perfect Christmas" for their families. This means that tempers are more likely to fray and disputes can escalate.

It is essential to prepare for this by creating a pleasant atmosphere in your store. Make sure that your customers are greeted as they enter and that you have enough staff available to maintain a presence and help customers. Stay on top of your inventory to make sure you don't run out of popular products. If a customer is not satisfied with any element of their shopping experience, work with them to resolve it.

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Christmas is a challenging time for every business, but with some thought and careful planning, you can make this short period a huge success. Motivate and reward your staff, and make sure to enjoy your well-earned break when you finally close for Christmas!