Oct. 30-Nov. 5
ATMOSPHERE It’s not too late to introduce a coffee bar and integrate pleasing scents in the form of chocolate chip cookies, vanilla or cinnamon.
STAFF Part-timers asking the same questions over and over because they weren’t trained on basics can drive you to drink. Come up with the most common things that go wrong and prepare answers. “Where’s the POS receipt paper?” “What happens if the CC authorization goes down?” Answer all of that now so you don’t have to when you are slammed.
Nov. 6-12
MARKETING There’s still time to hold a customer appreciation event for your VIPs to show how much you value them. Focus on the fun and sowing seeds, not selling. Encourage them to fill out a wish list if they haven’t already.
MANAGEMENT Share your upcoming extended holiday hours for December with your sales team. “While the team will be working more hours, it is the season where many love to be with family members and friends for gathering. Providing them this in advance will be greatly appreciated,” says consultant Megan Crabtree.
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Nov. 13-19
INVENTORY Arrange now to have larger owned or memo diamonds in your store and ready for delivery ahead of the Christmas week engagement season.
MARKETING Determine what specials to have for each day of the season in December.
Nov. 20-26
ONLINE Keep posting your event schedule on your social media outlets — email and mailed invites can go astray
WEBSITE In the Internet Age, holiday-season shopping begins this week as consumers start visiting the websites of favorite retailers. Update your website with seasonal elements, feature gift ideas including one special every few days, and highlight your wish-list function.
MARKETING Hand out “bounce-back” gift certificates with all purchases. The idea is to get some of that increased traffic flow you see during the busy season to bounce back during the first quarter of 2023
Nov. 27-Dec. 3
TRAFFIC On busy days, ask a staff member to observe customers to see where they linger, which showcases are popular and where they bunch up. This will help you better understand the traffic flow, bottlenecks, and which showcases and items are drawing attention.
LEADERSHIP Put on your Santa cap and straighten your Christmas tie, because the holidays are finally here! The staff will take their energy levels from you. Be ready.
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