Drive holiday sales by enhancing your shoppers’ buying experiences

Embrace an enchanting holiday spirit to encourage shoppers to make holiday purchases. The holiday season can account for as much as 30% of a retailer’s annual sales, according to the National Retail Federation. So, captivating your customers as soon as they walk in the door is a critical step in setting the sales scene.

Transform your store into a holiday wonderland with vibrant displays of festive plants, garden accessories, and unique seasonal decor. Play holiday music in the background. Once you set the scene, make sure to stock your most sought-after items, including:

Poinsettias are a holiday classic, and sales of these vibrant, red and green plants soar during the holiday season. Consider offering a variety of sizes and colors to cater to different customer preferences.

Festive wreaths and garlands, adorned with pinecones, berries, and lights, are a staple in holiday decorations. These items are often sought after for both indoor and outdoor décor, so have plenty available.

Custom-designed holiday planters, featuring combinations of evergreen branches, decorative twigs, and colorful accents, are a popular choice for customers looking to spruce up their entryways. Highlight the customizable options.

Offer holiday-themed indoor décor, such as decorative plant pots, candles, and unique ornaments. These items can make great gifts for a variety of purposes and can add a simple touch of holiday spirit to any environment.

Don't underestimate the power of gift certificates. They're a versatile option for customers who want to give the gift of choice. To create a wow moment, include a complimentary gift to the certificate purchaser.

In the thriving winter holiday retail market, projected to hit $1.07 trillion in 2023—a 5.4% increase from last year (Mintel, 2023)—the role of technology in enhancing shopping experiences is crucial. By adopting user-friendly technology solutions, businesses can significantly elevate customer experiences and increase holiday sales.

With online shopping capturing nearly 21% of retail purchases this year, it’s essential to craft a compelling online experience. Attract and retain customers with exclusive promotions and ensure easy communication for any support they might need.

Bring the heart of your store to your customers with engaging virtual tours. These virtual walkthroughs not only help engage your audience, but can also strengthen a browsing shopper's desire to experience your store firsthand.

Recent research shows a remarkable 94% boost in purchase conversion rates when customers engage with products through AR experiences. Customers can better imagine how products fit into their spaces, boosting their confidence in buying.

Elevate your sales potential by utilizing customer website interactions—including browsing history, search queries, and recent purchases—to create personalized product suggestions.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are key holiday sales events. Here are tips to make the most of these opportunities and stand out from the crowd:

Create enticing Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions that highlight your unique brand. Extend discounts, bundle deals, or offer complimentary gifts to allure customers to your shop versus your competitor's.

Prime your website for heavy traffic in anticipation of these highly competitive, high sales days. Offer a live chat option and provide clear transaction guidance for customers.

Maintain a readily available customer support team to assist shoppers with questions and concerns. Quick, friendly help can bolster a positive shopping experience and even solidify a sale.

Introduce exclusive holiday products or packages available only during Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday. The sense of urgency can drive sales.

Use social media to connect with your audience and promote your star products. Share festive photos and videos, offer exclusive discounts and promotions, and host fun giveaways and contests. The more you engage with your audience on social media, the more likely they'll think of your brand when shopping.

Good customer service is expected, but to truly stand out, aim for exceptional service that goes above and beyond. This includes offering personalized recommendations, hassle-free returns, and efficient support. Let your outstanding service be your competitive edge.

Seek chances to amaze your customers, especially those who visit often. Offer a warm welcome as they step into your business or a friendly "see you again soon" when they're on their way out.

Establish clear guidelines for your staff that encourages them to take responsibility for customer interactions and solutions.

Encourage your staff to actively listen to customer needs, guide experiences, and create genuine connections with customers.

A simple compliment can make a lasting impression. Recognize your customers' purchases and express your genuine appreciation for their selection.

During the holiday shopping season, horticultural retail stores should also be vigilant about potential insurance-related risks. These can encompass:

• Property damage

• Theft

• General liability

• Cybercrime

• Auto accidents

To safeguard your business, you may want to review and adjust your insurance policies, implementing necessary safety measures and security protocols to effectively mitigate potential risks.

If you have any questions about insuring your horticultural business or would like to review your current policy, contact us today or request a quote.

Related links:

Need to file a claim? Follow these five informative steps to help you understand the claims process if you ever need to file one for your business.

Accidents still happen—no matter what safety procedures you have in place. See how umbrella insurance can provide an extra layer of protection for your business.

As online shopping increases, learn about common cybercrimes, how to avoid them, and how cyber liability insurance can help your horticultural business.