We are smack dab in the middle of October. That means two things. One – we have half a month to go until Halloween is here. Two – we have half a month and a day to go until the holiday shopping season arrives! As retailers across Canada are well aware, the day after Halloween is usually designated for changing all of the black and orange decor to the green and red variety. Preparing stores for the holiday season is something merchants should not delay.
With that said, it’s also of vital importance that you heavily promote your gift cards. As SquareUp.com informs us, the National Retail Foundation found a 54 percent increase in gift cards sales in the decade between 2007 and 2017. Since gift cards are so hugely popular during the holidays, it’s wise to launch your gift card advertising campaigns right away.
Go heavy on the in-store promo.
Leave nothing to the imagination. Make it so that no shopper who enters your store isn’t made completely aware of your gift cards being available for sale. This can be accomplished through eye-catching signage throughout the store and impossible-to-miss displays by the checkout area.
“Make it easy for customers to find your gift cards in store,” insists Agnes Teh Stubbs on SoftwareAdvice.com, “It could be something as simple as putting up signs that say ‘Ask about our gift card promo’ or ‘Give the perfect gift card,’ either at your checkout counter or around high-traffic areas of your store.”
Highlight your product line in your new ad campaign.
Obviously, the benefits of gift cards are less about the cards themselves and more about the items people can buy with those cards. So while you’re pushing the fact that you sell gift cards, be sure to include information about all of the wonderful goods you have for sale that gift card recipients can get their hands on by redeeming their cards. SquareUp.com suggests creating a product guide.
“Whether they’re loyal customers or new to your space, a short guide can get gift card recipients excited about your store’s offerings,” says the site, “A guide could show favourite products, new offerings, behind-the-scenes looks, or upcoming events. You also might theme your guide for upcoming holidays or seasons. Don’t forget to include your social media handles in the guide so customers can look you up online, too.”
Launch a holiday gift card promotion.
Take advantage of the fact that gift cards are huge sellers during the holidays. Stubbs points out that a 2017 annual holiday spending survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics found that gift cards were the most sought-after gift during the holidays for no less than eleven years running.
It only makes sense to acknowledge the holiday season in all of your promotional material from this point forward until the new year. And, of course, it will pay to invest in an effective gift card solution from Canadian POS!
Our electronic gift cards have long been known to encourage repeat business, attract new customers and boost sales all year long. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call Canadian POS at 1-877-748-2884 or email us at info@localhost.