In past years, there is a shopping lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, nothing about 2020 has been typical so it’s a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. Take the time to strategize and tackle small projects so your store continues running smoothly for the upcoming Christmas rush.

• Deep Clean: Now is a great time to do some deep cleaning and display resets. Schedule time when your store is not open to the public to break tables downs and give them a good cleaning. During the Thanksgiving shopping craze, thorough cleaning falls by the wayside since there is so much focus on keeping product on the floor and the displays full.
• Advertise Popular Items: Plan some exciting specials or ads to run to keep customers interested and shopping. Build a large citrus display to bring color into your department. Specialty citrus like satsumas are here and in good supply. Amazing apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Arkansas Black and Pink Lady are always a big hit with customers. Californian green-skin avocados are in season and will provide an eye-catching color break to Hass avocado displays. Import berries are in great supply and sell well at this time. Advertising a variety of popular items will drive sales and keep your shoppers coming in.
• Social Media Promotion: Kick up your social media presence. Talk up and promote all the spectacular new produce offerings and holiday items available. Post recipes your customers can try and list out ingredients they will need.
• Get Ahead: Catch up on any projects that got pushed to the side during Thanksgiving. Promote Christmas specials as early as possible. Plan out your weekly schedules as far out as you can. Catch up on recording invoices and credits. Don’t wait until after the New Year to play catch up!