The weather is getting colder, the days are getting shorter, and the holiday season is right around the corner.
While things outside are getting merry, though, you might be getting stressed!
If so, you’re not alone. Now is the time many consignor store owners have a sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach. After all – the holiday season can get crazy at a consignment store. Not only is stress is running high, but schedules are hard to keep, and customers are chomping at the bit for great deals.
Luckily, you can keep your feet this holiday season by taking the following steps now.
1. Prepare Your Schedules
Holiday schedules are hard to manage. Employees go out of town, people have limited availability, and it can be tough to juggle your staff. As such, it’s smart to start preparing now.
Be proactive about this by asking your employees if they intend to travel (and, if so, when) over the holiday season. This helps you figure out who will be in town to man the store, and ensure that your schedules are set before people start buying plane tickets.
2. Arrange for Extra Help
Seasonal help is a standard tool in the consignment industry. Sometimes, having an extra set of hands-on staff is excellent to help you through the holiday season.
Even if your regular staff is around during the holidays, extra help can take over the sales floor while full-time employees concentrate on entering and stocking items and dealing with consignors. This boosts your productivity and gives you a headstart on the new year.
3. Plan Your Holiday Sales
With events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, now is the time to start promoting sales in your store, on your website, and through your marketing channels.
Not only does this get the word out about your sales, but it helps ensures customers are thinking of you as they buy their holiday gifts.
If you plan to promote your sales through Facebook, boost your post or create an ad to let your customers know about the deals you’re offering. If you have an email list, send an email with the coupon attached to get your regular customers into your store during the holiday shopping craze.
4. Prepare Your Consignors
Increase your holiday sales by reaching out to your frequent consignors. Let them know which items you’re looking to sell and that they’re available in your shop right now.
For many furniture consignment shops, for example, this is the season for dining room tables and extra seating.
For clothing consignors, this is the season for warm or holiday-themed clothing. While many consignment store owners don’t think of reaching out to frequent consignors, doing so is a great way to boost your sales.
Better Holiday Sales Start Here
Prepping your consignment store for the holiday season is a little bit like training for a marathon: it helps you make it through in one piece, and come out the other side stronger than ever.
Fortunately, preparing your store is also easier than it’s ever been. Just follow these four tips for a streamlined, smooth, productive holiday season.
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