Time to Prepare for the Holidays

This is, truly, a magnificent time of year!

I remember a few years back when I worked in a small market in the Louisville, KY area and we began preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. It seemed like every customer’s mood was in an  upswing—despite the “hustle-bustle” of preparing for family feasts and party gatherings. It was like our store—the produce, meat and grocery departments—all had yet another, fresh chance to impress customers and win over loyal shoppers. And the same holds true in 2016—this is the time of the year when only the best, the freshest, the most flavorful will do. No shortcuts now... only the highest level of service and the highest level of products.

Every supermarket merchant can approach this significant time in one of two ways:  consider the added sales and the necessary added customer care as a burden that soon will be over. Or, recognize the incredible opportunity for growth, strengthening relationships, and profitability that this season affords. Either way, January 2 will come along—but your store and business could be a much different one on January 2 if you treat the Holidays with enthusiasm and joy.

We all know “the fundamentals” of Holiday merchandising—but a quick refresher course can  help us be more successful. Let’s begin by studying and discussing some basic Holiday merchandising philosophies that will make this the most profitable season ever:

No shortcuts on quality! Can you imagine that Holiday “chef” even considering using off-quality ingredients in his/her festive masterpiece?  The feast will be for beloved family and friends—only the best will be considered. So honor that by creating massive displays of incredibly beautiful products. No “second-rate” quality levels will be accepted.

No shortcuts on variety! Soon, Caito Foods will send out a detailed list of Holiday shopping suggestions, and this is the perfect opportunity to expand variety to address the needs of Holiday-inspired customers. Maybe you have chosen not to offer—in the past—baby vegetables, Brussels Sprouts stalks, or red walnut meats. Now is the chance to expand your regular offerings and experiment with some new, exciting items!

No shortcuts on service! Engage each and every customer, seeking to find the items they seek to create Holiday dinners and party menus. Equip associates with “talking points” about new items that you offer, or about services that make your store distinctive from others. Work harder than ever to please the customer and, as the New Year arrives, you’ll see the new faces that visited your store become your customers!

No invisible customers! While this season typically brings great memories and joy, remember that—for some—it is a difficult time. A kind remark or gesture from you or your team could be the difference between a dismal day and one that is bright. At this magnificent time, it is your kindness that will stand out, far beyond products or services.