Right about now I start to feel that tinge of anxiety that is associated with the holidays. From work obligations to family duties to trying to stretch our gift-giving budget to its max. I feel like my head just starts to spin. However, in the end, I always survive!  Here are a few pointers from advertisers to help your business succeed this holiday season: -Be True to You- if you are a mattress store, you don’t need to try to lure customers in with a $79 tablet.  People will come to you for your furniture deals, not for a random item that has nothing to do with what you specialize in. -Don’t do fake sales- Don’t use a item you only have a handful of to lure customers in.  For example, advertising that you’ve got a $250 item on sale for only $99 and then only having 5 available for purchase when you’ve spent $10,000 advertising that item is a no no.

• Don’t overextend yourself- you can still have a really successful holiday season by sticking to what you know and do best.  Simply keep your store stocked with the items your customers like to purchase from you and consider a holiday open house where you invite your customer base thru a postcard or an eblast offering a discount to them for coming to shop.
• Be prepared- Have enough employees working, keep your store clean, keep your shelves stocked and be friendly.
• Lastly, make time for your friends and families during the holiday season.  Don’t stay open 24 hours every day all day.  Give your staff a rest, give your mom a hug and spend some time with the children in your life.  Holidays are truly a special time of year and you need to enjoy them too!

Happy Shopping Everyone!!

Gayle Brown – Wilmington, NC