Fun and Festive Ways to Boost Holiday Sales and Increase Retail Revenue

Hair, skin and other beauty services are especially popular during the holiday season, as many people groom and prep in anticipation of visitors from out of town or traveling to see friends and family. With a surge in customers, it’s the perfect time for stylists and other beauty professionals to increase sales of retail products and services through special offers. Many people are busy budgeting for gifts and goodies, so it can be difficult to create fresh sales momentum. Here are the top tips for boosting holiday sales without becoming a scrooge:

Social Media Greetings

Offer discounts for social media likes or retweets, such as 10% off your next haircut. Increase followers by linking social media platforms to your business website. Make sure to advertise incentives for repeat or return customers, like 20% off for posting your favorite holiday up-do on the business Facebook page. Asking questions will generate more interest and participation in your page. Try something along the lines of, “What’s your favorite holiday hair accessory?”

Let It Snow Punch Cards

Handing out punch cards is a surefire way to keep customers interested in coming back for additional services and products at your business. During the holidays, offer a special seasonal punch card with discounts for every few punches (instead of an entire card or series of punches). Run the punch card promotion through Valentine’s Day or another midwinter holiday to keep customers actively seeking punches; make sure to include punch offers for future services or retail purchases.

’Tis the Season for Product Parties

The holidays are the perfect time to ho-ho-ho-host a party for friends, neighbors and family. Offer simple snacks and cocktails at an after-hours fete and invite all current customers with a cutesy party invitation sent via email (include attention-grabbing graphics like a gingerbread cookie with bad frosting hair). Create inexpensive gift bags with retail samples and offer coupon discounts in each giveaway bag. At the event, showcase a styling demo, have a raffle or play other holiday party games (such as pin the tail on the red-nosed reindeer) with prizes for services.

Miscellany and Mistletoe

Other strategies for increasing seasonal sales can include partnering with another salon owner to drive business (e.g., “Buy a Massage and Receive a Free Haircut”). Or promote gift certificates to clients as an idea for a holiday present. And finally, creating candy cane tree, wherein each customer can chose a red and white delight with an attached coupon for a future service, will surely be a holiday hit. Customers will enjoy the thrill of choosing their own candy cane and will love redeeming their reward.

Joyful Gift Certificates

Selling gift cards or certificates to regular customers is a terrific way to boost business, especially if they gift them to friends and family. Research shows that people prefer convenience when shopping for their holiday presents, so make sure to include a link to purchase gift certificates online for those who may not be regular customers or don’t have the time to stop by your booth. Use a variety of company materials, even business cards, for strategically announcing and advertising gift certificates. An email blast or newsletter is also a great vehicle by which to promote gift cards. Lastly, be sure to regularly repost gift card information on social media sites, and you’ll surely have a merry holiday sales season.