As winter approaches and images of hot cocoa, snuggling up in cozy blankets, and snow begin to swirl around, so begins our planning of the inevitable last-minute holiday shopping season. For the small business owner, this is both a nerve-wracking and exciting time. With a little preparation, and some extra teamwork, any worries of chaos can easily transform into cheer.  As exciting as the impending sounds of a busy store may be, businesses need to be as prepared as possible for the increased customer presence. Here are some strategies that can help you feel as ready as possible for the month ahead:

 

Prepare your staff

It’s important that your employees are prepared to greet the influx of shoppers during this holiday season. You may also need to hire seasonal employees to help with the demands of greater foot traffic and potential extended hours. While this can be a huge help to full-year employees, it’s essential to train your new hires early and ensure they continue representing your store with impeccable customer service. Make sure everyone is prepared with the knowledge of seasonal holiday promotions you plan to roll out and possible additional services you may provide, such as gift wrapping.

 

Organization is key

When the bustling crowds arrive, the last thing you want to be doing is scrambling to find where you placed your box of extra bags, or where your latest shipment of receipt paper disappeared to in your stockroom. Find logical spaces for each necessary item to go before the holiday season arrives and leaves you with stressed employees and customers. Your back room should be your sanctuary during this season - make sure it's well maintained and equipped with all of the essentials. Don’t forget that organization can also include online strategies. Ensure that your software is up to date, that you can easily track inventory, and that your system is up to the challenge of frequent sales.

 

Spruce up your space

Although you may have stocked up on additional supplies for the season, make sure to find room for those materials in storage (which should be organized already) and keep the store itself free from clutter. As more customers enter, they should feel free to roam around without too much crowding by other people or the items for sale. In order to avoid chaos, generate intentional spacing for shoppers to easily flow around the store. 

 

…and then add some festive flourishing! 

Avoid being labeled the Grinch of the mall, and be sure to let the holiday spirit shine. Once you feel your store is set up in the best way for sales, it’s time to then enhance it with some decorative pizzazz. Decorating your storefront will draw customers in, and having an inviting ambiance inside will make them want to stay. Plan a night where your employees can stay late to help display holiday garlands and baubles. Create holiday playlists to add festive cheer and watch those bustling shoppers glow in the warmth of feeling merry and bright. 

 

Create a strong holiday marketing campaign

Whether you use Instagram posts, email updates, or social media ads, it’s necessary to prepare an enticing holiday promotion early on to share through these channels. Think about what kind of sales or freebies you’d like to offer to your customers, and then use your creativity on social media to further attract your audience to visit your shop. Don’t be afraid to post frequently and to highlight what makes your store unique and special during this holiday season. Although there is a clear goal to attract new customers, don’t forget to remind your loyal customers why they should stick around too. Consider a rewards program that can benefit frequent shoppers, perhaps with extra perks during the holiday shopping season.

 

In Conclusion

Remember that a little extra prep work can go a long way in making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible this holiday season. Don’t forget to be proud of the value of your store and services, as well as its traditions that you can continue to enhance during the most wonderful time of the year. ‘Tis the season, and with a few added efforts, this season can be your most successful yet. 

Your Last Minute Holiday Season Checklist for Small Retail Businesses

You found the perfect gift, now wrap it up!

Our holiday gift wrap station is located on the upper level near Macy's next to our WiFi Lounge.

All donations will benefit community groups. 

Saturday, December 10thfrom 12:00pm-7:00pm

Sunday, December 11thfrom 12:00pm-7:00pm

Friday, December 16thfrom 4:00pm-9:00pm

Saturday, December 17thfrom 11:00am-9:00pm

Sunday, December 18thfrom 12:00pm-9:00pm

Friday, December 23rdfrom 4:30pm-9:30pm

Saturday, December 24thfrom 10:00am-2:00pm

Holiday Gift Wrap

It's the most wonderful time of the year 

Join us throughout December for holiday classics performed by strolling carolers at the following dates and times:

12/03/22 2PM - 4PM

12/04/22 2PM - 4PM

12/10/22 4PM - 6PM

12/11/22 2PM - 4PM

12/17/22 3PM - 5PM

12/18/22 2PM - 4PM

12/23/22 3PM - 5PM

12/24/22 3PM - 5PM

Each inspirational performance will be delivered by talented local musicians as they stroll to different locations throughout the shopping center.

We'll see you there!

Strolling Carolers

MyPerks members, this one is for you! 

We invite our MyPerks loyalty program members to a special Breakfast with Santa catered by Applebee's and held in the MyPerks Lounge! The event will take place on Saturday, December 3rd from 9:30am - 11am.

The lounge is located on the Lower Level Food Court.

During the event guests will enjoy special moments with the Santa, crafts and activities!

Not a member? No problem! Joining is free and easy, clickHEREto become a member today.

* Event is open to MyPerks members ONLY.* Space will be limited to the first 150 attendees.

MyPerks - Free Breakfast with Santa

Tis’ The Season for Holiday PerksHoliday Perks are special benefits only available to MyPerks members and we’ve got a whole season of them lined up just for you! Join MyPerks for free to take advantage of all the can’t-get-anywhere else holiday offers, special events, perks, giveaways and more.

November Holiday Coupons  - 11/18-11/28

Start saving early this year with exclusive holiday perks coupons to help you check off your list. First set of coupons runs November 18 through November 28 so you can take advantage of Black Friday sales and save even MORE!Click to login/signup and see which coupons are available. 

Even More Holiday Coupons - 12/2-12/24/22

Check back andlog-inon December 2 to see newly updated coupons to use for the remainder of the Holiday season.

10 Days of Perks Giveaway -12/15-12/24/22

Open or download the MyPerks app to play our in-app scratch off game. Just go to the menu and click games. Use your finger to “scratch-off” or click scratch all, and if three of the same icons are revealed you are a winner!* Prizes are given daily so check back every day during the promotional period for your chance to win that day’s prize.

Bath &amp; Body Works - Gift Set valued at $200Perfume - gift set valued at $250MAC makeup set valued at$200Brighton Collectibles - purse and jewelry set valued at $250Boba Rally - Anime gift set valued at $200Macy's $100 gift card, JCPenney $100 gift card &amp; $50 Aeropostale gift cardsBox Lunch - Disney gift set valued at $250KOKO - Loungefly and backpack gift set valued at $250Sports Fever $150 gift card &amp; $100 gift card to Champs$100 gift card to Applebee's, $100 gift card to California Pizza Kitchen &amp; $50 gift card to StarbucksDownload App

Lounge Events

Check out ourEvents Pageor the MyPerks Lounge section in the MyPerks app for the latest holiday happenings in the MyPerks lounge.

Holiday Perks are special benefits only available to MyPerks 
members and we’ve got a whole season of them lined up just for 
you!

HOLIDAY PERKS

Holiday Hours

Centennial Real Estate

MainPlace Mall offers a collection of nearly 200 stores to choose from including the most popular brands in fashion, beauty, dining and entertainment.

<p><a href="https://cdn.placewise.com/Centennial/mainplacemall/files/MainPlaceHolidayHours.pdf">HOLIDAY HOURS</a></p>
<p><a href="https://cdn.placewise.com/Centennial/files/SantaHours.pdf">SANTA HOURS</a></p>

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Where can I visit Santa this year?Visit Santa at The Elf on the Shelf Experience on the lower level, Macy’s Court. 

What are Santa’s Hours of Operation?Santa arrives Friday, November 18.  Visit theSanta Event pageto view all of Santa’s Holiday Hours.How is the Santa set decorated?The Santa photo experience at MainPlace is designed around the popular children’s story Elf on the Shelf.Who can visit Santa?Everyone is welcome to visit with Santa for a photo experience! Our venues is ADA/AODA compliant. Pets can even come during Pet Nights! We have no limit on the number of guests who can appear in each photo. As long as a group can fit in the frame, they will take your photo!Do you have sensory-friendly photo experiences?Yes! Our Santa Cares events provide sensory-friendly photo experience on Sunday, December 4 created in partnership with Autism Speaks.How does the Santa experience work?Arrive at the photo experience during your 15-minute reservation time or as a walk-up guest to meet Santa. Each group receives 3 poses for each photo experience. Finalize your transaction with a cashier to receive your photos, even if you purchased your package in advance online.Are visits to Santa free?Visits with Santa are always free, but photos (digital or print) with Santa have a cost associated.  Cell phone photography is not permitted.Are reservations required?Reservations are strongly encouraged but not required.What are the benefits to making a reservation?Benefits include getting a free, personalized phone call from Santa prior to your visit powered by Portable North Pole, locking in the date/time of your choice, and expediting checkout onsite.How do I make a reservation?VisitHEREto view the available times and make a reservation.Can I reschedule or cancel my reservation?You can reschedule your reservation within 24 hours of booking by clicking RESCHEDULE in your confirmation email. In the event of a cancelled reservation, no refunds will be provided. All sales are final, including packages pre-purchased online.What photo packages are available?

·       Package A – Best Value! $49.99: Access to all digital downloads and (7) print photos including (2) 6&quot; x 8&quot; prints, (2) 4&quot; x 6&quot; prints, (1) 3&quot; x 5&quot; print, (2) 2&quot; x 3&quot; wallet size prints, and (1) limited edition postcard.

·       Package B $44.99: Access to all digital and (5) print photos including (2) 4&quot; x 6&quot; prints, (1) 3&quot; x 5&quot; print, and (2) 2&quot; x 3&quot; wallet size prints.

·       Package C $39.99: (5) print photos including (2) 4&quot; x 6&quot; prints, (1) 3&quot; x 5&quot; print, and (2) 2&quot; x 3&quot; wallet size prints.How do I download my digital photos and when are they available?If you purchased digital photos, they will be available 24 hours after your visit at myholidaymoments.com. Scan the QR code on the back of your photo envelope or visit myholidaymoments.com directly, then enter your email address and the code located on your receipt. You can access your photos any time before January 31, 2023.How can I contact Customer Service?Cherry Hill is the company which provides the Santa photo experience at MainPlace.  Access Cherry Hill’s live support chat onhttps://whereissanta.com/or contact Cherry Hill Customer ServiceHERE.

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