5 Things Your Local Business Needs to Do Right Now to Prepare for the Holidays

I know. It's August and the holidays feel a long way off.

But here's something I've learned after working with hundreds of retailers and restaurants:

The businesses with the best holiday season don't start planning in November.

They start now.

Here are five things you should be doing today.

1. Order Early

If you know you'll need holiday inventory, packaging, gift cards, or supplies, don't wait.

Delays happen.
Prices change.
Popular items sell out.

Your future self will thank you.

2. Build Your Customer List

If you don't have customers' email addresses or phone numbers, you're relying on them to remember you.

That's a risky strategy.

Every customer who walks through your door between now and the holidays should be invited to join your email or text list.

That list could become your most valuable holiday marketing tool.

3. Plan Your Holiday Calendar Now

Don't wake up on November 15th wondering what to post.

Map out your promotions, events, emails, and social media now.

When the busy season arrives, you'll be executing—not scrambling.

4. Train Your Team

The holidays expose every weakness.

Now is the time to improve:

• Customer service
• Product knowledge
• Upselling
• Handling busy periods
• Solving customer problems

A great team can turn first-time shoppers into lifelong customers.

5. Give Customers a Reason to Choose You

People have more shopping choices than ever.

Ask yourself:

Why should someone buy from you instead of clicking "Add to Cart" somewhere else?

Is it expert advice? Free gift wrapping?

Maybe it's an unforgettable experience.

Whatever it is, don't compete on price- compete on value.

The holiday season doesn't begin when the decorations go up.

It begins with the decisions you make today.