The holiday season brings excitement, energy, and a rush of shoppers eager to find the perfect gifts. For businesses, it’s a prime opportunity to increase foot traffic and, ultimately, sales. As a sign shop, we know how impactful eye-catching visuals and strategic signage can be in driving people through the door. Here are our top strategies to help businesses make the most of this holiday season by attracting more foot traffic.
Be sure you capture the attention of passerby with festive, creative window displays. During the holiday season, use your windows to showcase seasonal products, special offers, or simply spread some holiday cheer with colorful lights and decorations.
Sidewalk signs, often referred to as A-frames, are an excellent way to grab attention right outside your door.
Limited-Time Discounts – Emphasize special holiday season discounts or exclusive limited-time bundles to encourage impulse shopping.
Holiday Events – If you’re hosting a holiday event, showcase the time, date, and details on your sidewalk sign.
Daily Countdown – Even if you aren’t a retailer or don’t have any specials, consider joining in the festive fun by adding an outdoor sign that counts down to the holiday, keeping your store top of mind for last-minute shoppers.
A well-placed, quality sidewalk sign catches attention and can serve as an invitation, letting shoppers know what makes your business worth stopping in for.
Let’s face it, the holidays are hectic and harried. Holiday shopping can be chaotic, so clear signage is essential. A frustrated shopper is often a lost sale. Help shoppers navigate your store easily with:
Directional Signs – Place signs that clearly direct customers to different merchandise sections, especially if you’ve rearranged anything for the season or have special products for the season.
Gift Guide Signage – Help shoppers make purchases by designating areas for “Gifts Under $25” or “Stocking Stuffers”. This type of organization will help speed up their shopping experience, and lead them to products they might not otherwise purchase from you.
Sale and Clearance Signs – Make sure that sale items and special discounts are visibly identified with bold, eye-level signage.
An organized and inviting shopping experience begins with good signage to help people find what they are looking for (and even things they aren’t) quickly and easily. It encourages customers to stay longer and browse more, increasing the likelihood of more purchases.
If your business also sells online, QR codes are an excellent way to bridge the gap between in-person buying and digital shopping. Create new signage with QR codes in high-traffic areas within your store to promote your online store, your social media channels, and exclusive online offers you may have. A QR code on strategically placed signage lets customers explore your brand further, even if they’re just browsing.
Timing can be everything in retail, especially during the holidays. To encourage people to stop by during non-peak hours, consider hosting a “Holiday Happy Hour” or other benefit-driven event to bring them in:
Discounts on Specific Items – Offer discounts on select products from 4 – 6 pm or another off-peak time.
Free Hot Chocolate or Treats – Create a warm, inviting shopping environment with complimentary hot chocolate or holiday treats.
Holiday Music and Décor – Holiday shoppers like to get a festive feeling so decorate and play holiday music to enhance the atmosphere, making shopping feel more like an event.
Advertise your “Holiday Happy Hour” on outdoor signage to entice passersby who may be finishing their workday or heading home.
Collaborating with nearby businesses can help everyone involved by driving more foot traffic to the area. Reach out to local stores, restaurants, or service providers and create cross-promotional opportunities. You might create a collective Holiday Shopping Guide, co-host an event, or collaborate on discounts. Collaboration helps everyone’s business, builds goodwill, and you can share the costs!
This holiday season, make sure your business stands out with creative and strategic signage. From enticing window displays to clear in-store navigation, effective signage is key to attracting and retaining customers.
If you’re looking to level up your holiday signage, Sebago Signworks is here to help! Get in touch, and let’s work together to create displays that will make your business a holiday favorite.
