The holiday season is just a few months away, making it the perfect time for small businesses in St. Mary Parish to start preparing.
Just as the holiday season is often the happiest time of year for families, it can also be a joyful and prosperous period for your business.
Many local shops experience an increase in customers and sales during the season.
Our parish is home to a wide variety of local businesses, from long-standing family stores to newer ventures. These businesses play a key role in our local economy, especially during the holidays.
This guide is intended to help St. Mary Parish business owners prepare for the holiday season.
Our goal is to ensure your business is ready for a successful holiday period in St. Mary Parish and make the most of the season.
Holiday Season Planning for St. Mary Parish Small Businesses
Review Last Year’s Trends
Take a close look at your data from the last holiday season. Which products or services were your best sellers? Were there any unexpected hits? Also, note when you had the busiest days and times.
This information can guide your decisions and plans for this year. If you’re a new business, consider talking to other local shop owners about their experiences.
They can offer valuable tips and advice that may help you succeed.
Adjust Business Hours
Think about whether your current operating hours will work well during the holiday rush. Some St. Mary Parish businesses find it beneficial to open a bit earlier or close a little later, especially on weekends or in the week leading up to major holidays.
However, this decision should be based on your specific business type and customer habits. If you do change your hours, make sure to update this information on your website, social media, and any local business listings.
Manage Inventory
Use last year’s sales data to inform your stock levels. Popular items from last year will likely be in demand again, so ensure you have enough on hand. For seasonal items, consider ordering early to avoid supply chain delays.
At the same time, be cautious about overstocking items that might not sell after the holidays. If you’re unsure, start with a moderate amount and have a plan to reorder quickly if needed.
Communicate with Staff
Have a meeting with your employees to discuss your holiday plans. Go over expected busy periods, any changes in operating hours, and special promotions you’re planning.
If you think you’ll need extra help, start the hiring process early. Many businesses bring on seasonal staff to handle the holiday rush.
When hiring, look for people who can work flexible hours and handle the fast pace of the holiday rush.
Train Your Team
Get your staff ready for the busy season. This might include refreshing them on customer service skills, especially handling stressed holiday shoppers.
Brief them on any holiday-specific policies, such as extended return periods or gift-wrapping services.
If you’re using any new technology or systems for the holiday season, make sure everyone is comfortable with these tools before the rush begins.
Prepare Decorations
Plan your holiday decorations carefully. While festive decor can create a welcoming atmosphere, it’s important to keep it aligned with your brand and consider what your typical customers appreciate.
Simple touches like string lights, a small tree, or window displays can go a long way.
If you’re on a main street in St. Mary Parish, you might want to coordinate with neighboring businesses for a cohesive look.
Marketing Your St. Mary Parish Small Business for the Holidays
Social Media Updates
Give your social media profiles a festive update. Consider adding a holiday-themed profile picture or banner.
Plan out posts that highlight your holiday offerings or promotions. Remember, your social media is often the first place customers look for updates, so keep it current.
Read more: Essential Social Media Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners in St. Mary Parish
Website Refresh
Take a look at your website. Is all the information up to date? If you’re running holiday specials or changing your hours, make that clear on your site.
For online stores, check that your site can handle possible extra traffic —nothing’s worse than a website crash during a busy shopping day.
Email Campaigns
Reach out to your loyal customers through email. If you already have a campaign running, add a holiday twist to it.
Let them know about your holiday plans, special offers, or new products. Keep your emails short, friendly, and focused on how you can make their holiday shopping easier.
Holiday Promotions
Consider running a holiday-themed promotion. This could be as simple as offering a discount on certain items or including a gift with a purchase.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that appeals to your customers.
Local Events
Check out holiday events happening around St. Mary Parish. Could your business participate in a local market or festival?
These events are great opportunities to connect with the community and attract new customers. Start by visiting this website for ideas: https://www.explorelouisiana.com/festivals-events-louisiana.
Community Partnerships
If possible, try to team up with other local businesses for cross-promotions. For example, a bookstore and a coffee shop could offer a “cozy reading package” deal.
You can also consider giving back to the community – it’s good for the soul and can generate goodwill for your business.
Remember, every small business in St. Mary Parish is unique. You know your customers best, so adapt these tips to fit your needs.
If you’re looking for personalized advice to grow your business, St. Mary Parish Economic Development offers free, confidential small business consulting services, including site selection, business connections, regulatory compliance, and many more.
To learn more about our small business consulting services in St. Mary Parish, give us a call or fill out our online form.
We’re here to help St. Mary Parish businesses thrive during the holidays and all year round.