Why Retailers Need to Plan Ahead for the Busy Christmas Season

Christmas is the busiest time of year for retailers worldwide. We all know that it’s going to arrive, but more often than not it creeps up on us and takes us by surprise. Most of us won’t even begin to think about what to buy family and friends until at least November (or Christmas Eve!), but if you run a business, planning so late in the year could seriously jeopardise your sales. For businesses, planning is key, it’s never too early only too late! So follow these few simple steps to maximise sales and stay ahead of your competition. 

Planning 

It may only be August, but we see a plethora of Christmas merchandise hitting the shops. It may all seem a little ‘crackers’ but given the doom and gloom of the current economy, retailers nationwide are looking at innovative and effective ways to woo customers in to their stores as early as possible. Preparing your store for Christmas this far ahead for some, may seem a little daunting but preparing months in advance will allow you to plan for your marketing, budgets, staff and stock. 

Choosing a Supplier 

Most retailers will already have a preferred supplier, but if you’re looking to cut a few costs this year, choose a highly reputable online wholesaler. Wholesalers allow retailers to purchase stock at a discounted price without compromising quality. They hold many advantages as they allow retailers to order online 24/7, speak to industry experts and arrange fast delivery ensuring that merchandise arrives well in advance of the Christmas flurry. 

"Last minute orders may not arrive in time so it’s important to plan ahead."

Choosing Christmas Stock 

Choosing stock for your store can be tricky. Whilst overstocking is dangerous, last minute orders may not arrive in time so it’s important to plan ahead. Study your market, what products are likely to be in high demand? With a good inventory line up, you can guarantee that your customers will be happy right up until Christmas Eve. 

Marketing Your Christmas 

Merchandise Marketing will be an integral part of any businesses Christmas strategy, so whether you’re a local shop, independent boutique or a multinational retailer you’ll need a well structured plan if you want to attract customers to your store. Depending on budget, retailers often promote their Christmas merchandise through flyers, emails, in-store posters as well generating buzz through social channels. 

Experts recommend that campaigns should finish no later than 18th December. Regardless of how you choose to market your products, make sure communications are personalised where possible, allowing you to build relationships with your target audience. Now that you have planned for Christmas well in advance, chosen a supplier, ordered in good time and marketed your merchandise you should have a good chance of getting customers through your door! So sit back and relax (well sort of!).

For all your Pound Lines, Toys, Gardening, Christmas, Halloween and general discount store wholesale items, please visit the full range at www.discount-wholesale.co.uk. Discount Wholesale is part of the Poundworld Retail Group Ltd. This article can also be found on our Advice Centre.