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

The holiday season is even better with live music! We have performances in both Center Court near Forever 21 and at Macy's Court lower level each day by local schools and organizations. Come be festive with us!

TUESDAY DECEMBER 13TH

11AM  Thomas Jefferson Middle School – Center Court

12PM  Shalala Middle School – Macy’s Court

5PM  KH Music – Center Court

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14TH

5:30PM  Ellsworth Elementary – Center Court

7:30PM  NW Harmony Chorus – Center Court

THURSDAY DECEMBER 15TH

11:30AM  King’s Way Christian School – Center Court

12:30PM  Discovery Middle School – Center Court

1:30PM  Hearthwood Elementary – Center Court

5:00PM  Jolene Vocal Studio – Center Court

6:30PM  Heritage Church NW – Center Court

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16TH

11AM  Pacific Orchestra 7thGrade A – Macy’s Court

12PM  Pacific Orchestra 7thGrade B – Macy’s Court

12:30PM  Pacific Orchestra 7thGrade – Macy’s Court

1:00PM  Pacific Middle School Treble Choir – Center Court

Music Performances

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  - 11/18-11/28Start 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 - 12/2-12/24/22Check back andlog-inon December 2 to see newly updated coupons to use for the remainder of the Holiday season.

10 Days of Perks Giveaway -12/15-12/24/22Open 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.​

12/15  Toys and treats for doggos!

12/16  Best of holiday beauty + $50 ULTA gift card

12/17  Family Games Night

12/18  Tasty treats for the Foodie + $50 Los Pepes gift certificate

12/19  Warm &amp; Cozy holiday for her

12/20   Bath &amp; Body Works Gift set valued at $200

12/21   For the Sports Fan: $100 gift card to Champs and $100 gift card to Locker Room

12/22   Spa at Home

12/23   Fragrance gift set from Macy’s

12/24   Mega holiday treats basket valued at $200

Download App

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

Even More Holiday Coupons - 12/2-12/24/22Check back andlog-inon December 2 to see newly updated coupons to use for the remainder of the Holiday season.

HOLIDAY PERKS

Mondays 11/28, 12/5, and 12/12 from 4pm - 7pm

“Santa Paws” Pet Nights with Santa: Pet owners are invited to bring their furry four-legged friends to a special pet photo session with Santa Claus from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on three Monday evenings: November 28th, December 5th and December 12th. During these times, well-mannered, leashed or kenneled pets can visit with Santa in his “Elf”-themed home while professional photographers capture the memories as Santa and each fur baby enjoy a warm encounter. Pets must enter the mall near H&amp;M and may not leave the H&amp;M Court. All pets must be leashed or caged while in the shopping center. Vancouver Mall’s “Elf” encounter will be open for people without pets during these times as well. Professional photo packages range from $39.99 to $49.99.

RESERVEyour space today!

Bring your furry or feathered friend for photos with Santa

Santa Paws Pet Photos

Santa's new home for the holidays at Vancouver Mall is on the lower level near H&amp;M from November 12 - December 24.

The set, based on the movie Elf, is free and open to the public to visit, and professional photos are available for purchase. To make this holiday season both a magical and safe experience, we strongly encourage guests to make a reservation for photos.

Children will be able to talk with Santa to share their wish lists, or place a letter in Santa's mailbox for him to read later.

Have a furry or feathered friend? You can reserve a time for pet photos with Santa from 4pm - 7pm on the following Mondays:  Nov 28, Dec 5, and Dec 12.

CLICK HEREto make a reservation.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Pet Nights:  4pm - 7pm on Mondays 11/28, 12/5, and 12/12

Register by clicking link above and scroll down to PET NIGHT

Sensory-Friendly Santa:  Sunday, 12/4 from 10:30am - 11:30am

Register by clicking link above and scroll down to SENSORY SANTA

SANTA'S HOURS can be found here

Visits & Photos with Santa at the ELF holiday experience!

Centennial Real Estate

With more than 140 distinctive stores and a Cinetopia 23 movie theater, Vancouver Mall provides Southwest Washington a top destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. 

Vancouver Mall hours have changed effective January 18th, 2022.

Curbside pick-up is still a great option to shop and dine with Vancouver Mall.&nbsp; Many of the restaurants and retailers will continue to participate in the Retail To Go program.

Check the online store directory for a complete listing of open and Retail To Go merchants.

<a href="https://cdn.placewise.com/Centennial/vancouvermallwa/files/VancouverHOLIDAYHOURS.pdf">HOLIDAY HOURS</a>

<a href="https://cdn.placewise.com/Centennial/vancouvermallwa/files/Vancouver2022SANTAHOURS.pdf">SANTA HOURS</a>

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Where can I visit Santa this year?Visit Santa at the Elf Christmas Experience on the lower level in H&amp;M Court.What are Santa’s Hours of Operation?Santa arrives on Saturday November 12th.  VisitHEREto view all of Santa’s Holiday Hours.How is the Santa set decorated?The set, based on the movie popular holiday movie Elf.  Decorated with a New York City streetscape, taxi, Gimbel’s windows and a giant size Buddy the elf, the Santa experience brings an element of magic from the film.Who can visit Santa?Everyone is welcome to visit with Santa for a photo experience! Our venue 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 from 10:30am – 11:30am 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 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?VisitHEREview the available dates and times.  

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 Vancouver Mall.  Access Cherry Hill’s live support chat onhttps://whereissanta.com/or contact Cherry Hill Customer ServiceHERE.

 

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