Supporting last-minute shoppers:
a quick, timely 1-minute read
‘Twas the weekend before Christmas, and all through the store,
Last-minute shoppers raced ‘round the sales floor.
Retailers smiled and came to their aid.
For the perfect gift, they happily paid!
There are a number of reasons why shoppers wait until the last-minute to shop in your stores.
chronic procrastination
they have a little extra cash to spend
packages didn’t arrive in time (or they worry that boxes won’t arrive due to the Amazon workers strike)
need a host gift
had to wait for payday to shop
forgot to put someone on their list
still looking for that perfect gift
they were waiting to see how much their holiday bonus would be
Note: I hope you get those holiday bonus spenders. (They are likely to buy something for themselves, too.)
Regardless of the reason, Super Saturday, Straggler Sunday, Manic Monday and Christmas Eve offer huge potential for local stores to be gift heroes this year! Here are a few quick tips to help you make the most of these last few shopping days before Christmas and Hanukkah.
Have pre-wrapped gifts ready to go. I suggest a similar item in two sizes/price points. For instance, a candle in two sizes, retailing at $25 and $40. Have one unwrapped and on display for customers to smell and touch.
Other ideas: scarves or winter beanie hats or games or puzzles or gourmet snacks. Ornaments, perhaps?
Post a picture of your pre-wrapped gifts on your social media twice per day, once in a regular post and once in a reel or story format.
If you sell gift cards, promote those heavily this weekend, on Monday and Tuesday, too! Include a gift card display and signage at the register. Have your sales associates mention that you sell gift cards for anyone left on their list.
Email your mailing list with suggestions for last-minute gift ideas. Mention your pre-wrap gift options and gift cards, too. Use a catchy subject line, ie: We gift wrap your last-minute purchases! or Store Name is open until 8 on Christmas Eve!
Sometimes good things do come to those who wait. May last-minute shoppers become your best new customers for 2025. It’s your chance to shine.
Happy Holidays, dear retail friends. Thanks for subscribing!
~Becky Tyre, Retail Details