10 Promotional Ideas to Make the Holidays Brighter

As the holiday seasons roll around, make sure your operation is ready to attract customers and keep them shopping in your store with these promotional ideas.

1. Thematic Sets: Connect related products. Instead of just stocking holiday lights, display them with timers, extension cords and storage bins.
2. Outdoor Greenery Lot: Transform a garden center into a bustling Christmas tree and wreath lot to draw local foot traffic.
3. Free Gift Wrapping: Offer free gift wrapping to customers who purchase a minimum amount or allow a nonprofit to provide the gift-wrapping services in your store in exchange for a donation to their organization.
4. Staple Gifts: Focus on budget-friendly but desirable items like drink tumblers, hand tools and branded accessories.
5. Big-Ticket Items: Promote higher-margin items like pellet grills and pizza ovens.
6. Holiday Décor: Stock a robust selection of artificial trees, wreaths, inflatables and string lights.
7. Winter Essentials: Capitalize on the cold weather by promoting space heaters, salt/ice melters, snow shovels and everyday home essentials (batteries, flashlights, light bulbs).
8. Social Media Scavenger Hunt: Increase visits by hiding a festive character (like a mischievous elf) around the store and posting daily clues.
9. Promotional Pricing: Use strategic point-of-sale deals such as multi-buys, bundle discounts and loyalty perks.
10. Digital Presence: Showcase inventory and upcoming sales on your website and social media weeks before the core season begins