Business Insights

Last-Minute Holiday Sales: A Simple and Strategic Guide for Businesses

December 20, 2023

Christmas is happening in less than a week, and for businesses in retail, hospitality, and wellness, it's the most wonderful time to increase sales. With last-minute shoppers rushing to find the perfect gifts and experiences, there are ample opportunities to boost revenue.

Elevating the power of urgency proves pivotal in influencing purchase decisions—an enduring psychological driver with a validated history across both traditional brick-and-mortar establishments and the evolving landscape of digital commerce. Now, let's explore industry-specific strategies, harnessing the impact of effective messaging.

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Retail and E-commerce

  • Promotional countdowns. Create a sense of urgency by launching limited-time promotions and countdown deals via mobile messaging. Use eye-catching banners on your website and social media platforms to highlight the remaining days or hours for customers to take advantage of special offers.
  • Gift guides and bundles. Help last-minute shoppers by curating gift guides and bundles. Showcase popular products, suggest complementary items, and offer attractive discounts on bundled purchases. This simplifies the decision-making process for customers and encourages them to buy more.
  • Express shipping options. Communicate express shipping options and deadlines. Ensure that customers are aware of the cutoff dates for guaranteed delivery before the holidays. Offering free or discounted express shipping sent as gift vouchers for last-minute purchases can be a powerful incentive.

Hotels, Bars, and Restaurants

  • Limited-time Holiday menus. Offer exclusivity with limited-time holiday menus featuring festive dishes and drinks. Promote these offerings through your email newsletters. Consider offering special group discounts or complimentary items to entice last-minute bookings.
  • Gift cards and vouchers. Send out gift cards and coupon codes as the perfect last-minute gift. Provide incentives such as bonus cards for larger purchases or exclusive discounts on future visits. Effortlessly send vouchers to your audience and enhance productivity with the convenience of SMS Blast services.
  • Event packages. Host special holiday events or themed gatherings to attract customers looking for unique experiences. This can include holiday-themed parties, exclusive dinners, or entertainment events. Promote these events through targeted marketing campaigns like HSMS.

Health, Fitness, and Beauty Businesses

  • Wellness gift packages. Create wellness packages that bundle services or products, offering a holistic approach to self-care during the holidays. Consider including gift wrapping or personalized touches to enhance the gifting experience.

  • Appointment reminders and availability. Ensure that your appointment booking system is user-friendly and prominently displays availability. Offer last-minute appointment slots and send reminders to your existing customers, encouraging them to treat themselves or their loved ones with your services. Utilize services like SMS Queue to help manage appointments and order taking.

  • Online classes and workshops. For fitness and wellness businesses, consider offering online classes or workshops during the holidays. This caters to individuals looking to maintain their health and well-being amid the festive season and provides a convenient last-minute gift option. Announce these offerings through email newsletters or in communities like Viber messaging.

Extra tip: Post-Holiday Thank You Messages

After the holiday rush, expressing gratitude to customers can go a long way in building lasting relationships. Send personalized thank you messages to customers who made purchases, booked services, or visited your establishment. Express appreciation for their support and loyalty, and consider including lexclusive post-holiday offers or discounts to encourage repeat business in the future.

Capitalizing on the final moments of holiday shopping unveils a golden opportunity for businesses to amplify sales. By customizing strategies to cater to the unique requirements of your business, and by expressing gratitude through post-holiday thank-you messages, you can optimize your success during this festive season.