Top Tips to get Customers Buying Local this Christmas
Australia, the lucky country! As the rest of the world bunkers down to beat the COVID curve, we are ready to embrace the opportunity to share this wonderful time of the year with our loved ones.
With many Melbournians choosing to stay home this Christmas, now is the time to start thinking how best to attract your local customers.
Gift Vouchers
Christmas shopping can be overwhelming and time consuming. For shoppers looking to simplify their long list of receivers, a gift voucher can be the perfect gift for those notoriously difficult to buy for.
Go one step further by creating incentives for gift voucher purchases, such as a 5% discount.
Free Gift Wrapping
If you’re anything like me, Christmas Eve is usually spent covered in sticky tape and small gift tags well into the night.
By offering free gift wrapping, you are saving your customers time and money. For most, this small gesture during the busiest time of the year can see your business winning out over your competitors.
Customised Branding / Wrapping
If you’re unable to provide free gift wrapping, appeal to your customers with Christmas themed wrapping/boxing. This is a convenient and attractive way for your customers to gift your products.
Go one step further by providing specialised hampers with Christmas themed boxing as they make easy gifts.
Offer Free Shipping
2020 has become the year of the online shopper and for some, avoiding the Christmas rush means continuing to shop online. Consider free shipping over the Christmas period to entice your customers without having to offer a discount product.
Go one step further by having cut-off dates for shipping to avoid the disappointment of your product not arriving in time. You can view these on the Auspost website.
Create a Gift Guide
Searching through hundreds of products for the time constrained Christmas shopper can easily become overwhelming. Make this process easier by having a gift guide for your best products/services.
Go one step further and create multiple gift guides that appeal to different people – such as a gift guide for mum, gift guide for him, gift guide for the outdoor type etc.
Update Your Imagery
Create that Christmas shopping excitement with themed branding on your social media and store fronts. Customers want to feel motivated to shop with you for Christmas gifts, so this is a small but effective way to show your enthusiasm.
Don’t Forget After Christmas
The biggest shopping day of the year is none other than the famous Boxing Day sales.
Consider holding a Boxing Day sale for your business. This could also be a good opportunity to sell left over Christmas branded products/services.
Don’t Forget: We’re all in this Together
Time to get shopping! Why not begin with the VMBN Directory. At your fingertips you will find a joyful selection of quality products and services, all local, all members of the VMBN. Make a quick call to say hi to a fellow networker and discuss how best to work in a special gift for a special someone and you’ll have your list ticked off in no time.
By making Christmas easier for your customers it becomes an enjoyable experience. Christmas comes around once a year so don’t be afraid to go all out and spread that Christmas cheer!
Kohde Blackshaw
Economic Development & Tourism Support