Nov. 30-Dec. 6
MANAGEMENT Given all the economic uncertainty, the momentum this holiday season is likely to be slow to build, so keep faith in your marketing efforts and put in place a contingency plan in case you have a sudden rush in the last week before Christmas.
OPERATIONS Run through a checklist of everything that needs to be taken care of to allow you to focus on selling during the holiday season. After a busy day working, the last thing you’ll want to do is run an errand.
SHOP Repairs are a revenue staple, but too many at this time of year can be an unwelcome drag on store operations. Target your customer list with a promotion that includes a cheaper option for repairs collected in January. You’ll ease the workload on the shop and boost foot traffic in January as well.
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Dec. 7-13
SERVICE Let your best customers know that you can organize private visits during off-store hours to show jewelry, either in the store or at their homes (for your true VVIP clients).
MERCHANDISING Do a run over your displays. Make sure the glass tops of your showcases are completely clear of clutter. In fact, clear the entire store of “visual clutter,” such as plastic flowers and excessive window coverings.
SELF-CARE Keep water bottles for yourself and staff placed strategically around the store. Staying hydrated during this time is critical.
Dec. 14-20
TRAINING Keep coaching. Changes in small behaviors can have huge results. Each day, ask employees to keep in mind one specific behavior. It could be mimicking, maintaining eye contact, smiling, getting customers to try on items, getting permission to follow up, and asking, “So … who else is on your list?”
CRM Lull in the store? Or just need a break from the sales floor or managing staff? Start drafting thank-you notes (although don’t send them yet). You’ll appreciate the head-start come Dec. 26.
Dec. 21-27
STAFF Give staff members the chance to take 10-minute walks to clear their heads. Great tip for a quick foot massage: Keep a bottle or a golf ball handy to roll under your feet.
DATABASE BUILDING Christmas is done. Start entering all that customer data you collected in the last few weeks.
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Dec. 28-Jan. 3
PLANNING Put reminders on your 2026 calendar, including one mid-year, to check in and see what you’ve accomplished at that point and what you need to do to get or stay on track.
MANAGEMENT On New Year’s Eve, here’s a question to ask yourself as you prepare to close your doors on 2025: Was the less-than-successful approach I took to a long-running issue/challenge/problem this year the same one that I used in 2024?
