Thriving During the HolidaysTips and advice on increasing sales and customer retention at your business this holiday season.

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Thriving During the Holidays

More than one-third of shoppers surveyed stated that they plan to purchase gifts at small businesses in their immediate vicinity.

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If merchants want to thrive during the holidays,

there are certain steps to take.

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Think Beyond Retail Displays

Consumers use a variety of methods to locate products and compare features or prices.

• Ensure that your website is easy to navigate

• Features the most current information

• Focuses on converting lookers into buyers.

More than half of the shoppers plan to compare prices with a smartphone app.

Be sure that your mobile site features:

• Prices prominently

• Any specials you have

• Reviews of your products

• Product specifications

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Enhance Shoppers’ In-Store ExperienceIf you recognize your customers when they enter your business, let them know it. You might not remember their names, but perhaps you remember what they last purchased or what types of items they find most interesting.

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Shoppers appreciate

personalizedattention.

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Keep Customer Experience PositiveCoordinating all shopping mediums can seem overwhelming, but you can’t allow your customers to feel frustrated.

• Inconsistent pricing in-store, online and in social media can lead to irate customers.

• Statistically, most people need only 2.2 negative experiences to stop patronizing a merchant or purchasing a brand.

• Among the millennial generation, a single negative experience is sufficient for 70 to 80 percent to abandon a retailer.

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Build a Loyal Customer Base

Encourage shoppers to return for repeat purchases.

A simple "thank you" is the least you can offer your customers. Giving them a gift, such as a coupon offering a discount on a subsequent purchase or a bonus item, can help them think of you in a more favorable light.

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Show Appreciation to Your CustomersCapture your customers' contact information, but use it wisely.

Send them holiday greeting cards or invite them to an exclusive

open house.

Send newsletters that detail new arrivals, special shopping hours or seasonal specials.

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Understand Gender DifferencesMen and women have different tendencies when it comes to shopping. Understanding their differences allows you to cater to each gender in a different manner.

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Targeting Female Shoppers

Women today tend to look for discount coupons on the social media sites, so if you want to target female shoppers, consider placing your coupons on those sites.

Approximately 44 percent of the women responding to a survey confirmed that they had responded to a mobile sale alert by visiting the store.

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Targeting Male Shoppers

Most men prefer to see the specific details and realistic photographs when shopping online or via smartphone. They do most of their bargain-hunting online, typically at websites that specialize in deep discounts.

They are twice as comfortable with making purchases costing more than $500 using a mobile device than women are.

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Help Customers Save Time

One thing that most of your customers will have in common this holiday season is that they feel pressed for time.

Make it easier for them to coordinate gifts by :

• Grouping products or things that go together

• Arranging items that can form a gift package next to each

Make their experience convenient:

• Let customers know that you offer gift cards by posting

signs and placing the cards in a spot that is easy to find,

such as at the cash register.

• Consider allowing customers to order online for

expedited pick up.

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Support Your Fellow Merchants

If other merchants are hosting a holiday mixer or open house, try to attend. It is not only an opportunity to show your support, but also a chance to network, learn from others and strengthen relationships. You never know when you might need to request or grant a favor.

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Thriving During the Holidays

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Knowing the basics of how to thrive this holiday season can help your business end the year on a positive note. If your interesting in learning more about omnichannel retail, leverage mobile payments or cutting your credit card processing costs, visit Cayan at https://cayan.com