Don’t Sleep on Dec. 26: How to Prep for Post-Holiday Sales Success

The holiday hustle doesn’t end on Christmas Eve—it shifts gears. December 26 is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with customers eager to spend gift cards, exchange items, and snag post-holiday deals. For restaurants, it’s a prime opportunity to cater to shoppers refueling between sales or families looking to extend their holiday celebrations.

Here’s how you can prepare your business for a successful Dec. 26:

1. Promote Early and Often

Let your audience know what to expect:

• Retailers: Advertise your post-holiday sales now. Use phrases like “Boxing Day Bonanza” or “Clearance Countdown” to build excitement.

• Restaurants: Push a “Holiday Hangover Brunch” or special offers for groups, enticing tired shoppers to take a break with you.

2. Prep Your Inventory and Team

• Retailers: Restock popular items, organize clearance racks, and ensure your staff knows return/exchange policies.

• Restaurants: Plan for high traffic. Stock up on ingredients and schedule extra hands to keep things running smoothly.

3. Maximize Gift Card Redemptions

People will be ready to spend gift cards they received for the holidays.

• Retailers: Highlight items perfect for gift card shoppers, like new arrivals or exclusive post-Christmas collections.

• Restaurants: Offer “bonus bucks” for those using gift cards, such as a free dessert or appetizer with their meal.

4. Create an Experience

The holidays may be over, but the festive vibe doesn’t have to end.

• Retailers: Set up an inviting space with cheerful music, complimentary coffee, or even a small gift-wrapping station for those shopping for New Year’s gifts.

• Restaurants: Keep the holiday decor up for a cozy ambiance and feature limited-time specials that feel like a continuation of the season.

5. Leverage Social Media

Get the word out about last-minute deals, extended hours, or special offers. Post stories, reels, and updates showcasing what customers can expect when they visit you. Encourage them to share their experiences with your business for a chance to win a prize or discount.

The Day After Christmas Is YOUR Day

December 26 is the perfect opportunity to keep the momentum going. With a little preparation, you can end the year strong and set the tone for a successful 2025.

So, what are you doing to prepare for the post-holiday rush? Share your plans in the comments—we’d love to hear your strategies!

P.S. Don’t forget to thank your team for their hard work this season. A little appreciation goes a long way!

Creating a Signature Holiday Promotion People Will Talk About

There’s a German restaurant in NYC named Rolf’s that’s been a neighborhood staple for over 40 years. During most months, the establishment attracts a small, local crowd. But in the fall and winter, people line up around the block for hours just for the opportunity to warm up over a drink while taking in one of the most elaborate Christmas displays imaginable.

You see, every year Rolf’s transforms from a rather unassuming restaurant into a winter wonderland. Virtually every inch of every surface in the restaurant is decorated.   What used to be a holiday business booster has expanded to an annual event that draws interested locals and tourists for nearly half the year.  Rolf’s has grown its signature promotion to such an elevated level that it has become a “must see” in NYC.

As you plan for this holiday, why not think about creating your own signature promotion?. This is about much more than stringing some lights or offering free gift wrap. This is the type of promotion you can build on year after year and resonates with your community.

As you start planning here are some basic tips to creating a true signature promotion:

It becomes synonymous with your brand
It can build in importance and/or scale over time
    It is unique or at least better executed than others like it
    It is buzz worthy
    It draws new customers and is responsible for an increase in business.

You’ll need to consider the size of your store, target audience, nuances of your community, your personal talents and passions as you develop this idea.

Here a few ideas to start getting you inspired.

Add a service

Create a “send us your list” service through which you pull appropriate gift items and have them ready for review during a scheduled private shopping appointment.

This is personal shopping at the highest level!

Give them a reason to come in-store

Create a video station where customers can create video cards to send to friends and family. Go all out with props and décor. If you live in a military town, they can send the videos to their loved ones and you can show them in-store to honor those in service.

Align with a charity

Make it meaningful. If you’re going to raise money for a local animal rescue, be sure showcase adoptable dogs regularly and even dress them for the holidays. 

Whether you’re raising money/awareness for vets, children, animals or hospitals, be sure to include those who are affected to bring humanity to the effort.

Consider putting a cash value on loyalty points and allow customers to donate those points to a charity of their choice.

Everyone collects food and toys for charity during the holidays. Your job is to make an impact.

Exclusive offerings

Create a mini-gallery, showcasing local artists/artisans throughout the season.  Make sure the objects are exclusive to your store. Have visitors vote on their favorites and award prizes to the winners.

Remember, your signature promotion doesn’t have to be about the holidays but something you do to mark the season. Notoriety doesn’t happen overnight. But if you start thinking about this as a long term project and invest the time and effort, perhaps one day you’ll have a line out the door as well.

www.rolfsnyc.com