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Thanksgiving kicks off a pretty crazy time for, well, everyone. While restaurants and food-based businesses tend to benefit the most during the Thanksgiving season, it’s important to note that other industries benefit from the holiday as well. During all the planning, cooking, and shopping, there are sure to be some of overwhelmed hosts who may be looking for a place to relax and get away.
Not to mention there’s a subset of people who just don’t latch onto the Thanksgiving craziness. For instance, 8% of Americans said they would not celebrate Thanksgiving in 2023. While there’s no way to predict how this number will shift in the years to come, be sure to prepare your business to be customer-ready.
Regardless of what you sell, set your business up for success by expressing gratitude for your customers and making your business a place to be truly thankful for.
1. Offer retail therapy.
The stress of family gatherings and all that they entail can take the shine off a wonderful time of the year. Use Square’s email marketing software and social media to invite some of your best customers to get an in-store mini spa treatment — like a chair massage, makeup refresh, or nail polish change — when they make a purchase of a certain amount. It’s a lot easier for shoppers to feel festive when they’re relaxed.
2. Get a jump on Black Friday.
Set your business apart by offering pre-Thanksgiving deals that are on par with Black Friday discounts. If you have an online store, think about offering free shipping and other enticing offers. Not only will you stand out from your competitors, but you’ll also be in a good place once the shopping season begins in earnest.
3. Put the emphasis on others.
If you don’t already have a local charity partner, team up with a local organization. Bonus points if it connects to your business – like a domestic violence shelter if you have a women’s clothing boutique, or a food pantry if you operate a cafe. Offer a discount when customers bring in items like gently used clothing or nonperishable food items. As a small business, it’s crucial to have ties to the community, and customers feel good about patronizing a company that gives back.
4. Plan an after-hours shopping event.
Things get hectic around the holidays, so regular business hours won’t always be convenient for your customers. Instead of the typical dawn-busting Black Friday events that everyone else is throwing, do the opposite by extending your hours one evening and hosting a special night-owl shopping party. Turn it into an actual party with a DJ, photo booth, and, of course, great offers.
5. Welcome back customers.
Thanksgiving is all about reflection and gratitude, so take a look at your email lists. Thank your loyal patrons, and reach out to the customers that you haven’t heard from in a while. Send a targeted message via Square’s email tools thanking them for their business and offering them a discount if they come back and make a purchase during the holiday season. We already have email templates ready-to-go for Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
