Getting Your Business Holiday Ready in 5 Simple Steps

It’s officially that time of year where you have to keep looking at the calendar because it’s so hard to believe how quickly time is going or as we like to say—it’s Blurvember.
 
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on even the most prepared businesses. One minute you’re stocking fall candles and the next you’re wondering where the extra rolls of gift wrap went.
 
This is the moment to tighten things up so you can enjoy the revenue boost without feeling like you’re sprinting through December.
 
Here are five simple, high-impact updates your business can make right now (some so quick you can implement them between customers) to get ahead of the holiday rush.
 
1. Update Your Hours and Online Info EverywhereHoliday shoppers are comparing hours, checking maps, and trying to squeeze errands between work, school pickups, and holiday events. If your hours aren’t accurate across Google, Yelp, Facebook, and your website, you risk losing customers before they even leave the house.
 
Do a quick search for your business as if you were a customer.

• Is your phone number right?
• Are your photos current?
• Does your holiday schedule show up clearly?

Most people rely on Google’s first page, so correcting those listings now is one of the easiest wins you can score.
 
2. Refresh Your Signage and DisplaysYour storefront or lobby is a strong salesperson this time of year. When signage feels fresh and intentional, customers are more likely to stop, browse, and buy. That’s why so many storefront businesses go straight from Halloween to Christmas. Both holidays are visually appealing. In fact, people will enter your business just because you have a cool window. (Poor Thanksgiving, the middle child of holidays.)
 
You don’t have to overhaul your entire look. A few simple updates can make a strong impression:

• Swap weathered signs for clean, readable replacements (unless antique is your vibe)
• Add one seasonal visual element that feels inviting rather than overwhelming
• Use clear markers for gift ideas or bestsellers
• Make sure curbside or pickup instructions are posted where customers can see them

 
Even small touches create a sense of readiness that customers appreciate during a busy season.

3. Prep Your Team for Upselling Without Feeling SalesyYour staff can be your holiday heroes. A little training now can lead to bigger revenue and happier customers later. Upselling doesn’t have to feel pushy. It’s simply offering helpful suggestions that customers genuinely appreciate.
 
Consider coaching your team on moments where a gentle recommendation is natural. Think gift wrap, add-on accessories, seasonal specials, or limited-time treats. When employees feel confident, customers feel guided. And both walk away happy.

4. Offer Gift Cards, Gift Bundles, or Quick-Grab OptionsThe closer we get to December, the more people search for simple solutions. They’re panicked. They’re behind the eight ball (or snowball, in this case), and they just want the perfect gift that doesn’t look rushed. Gift cards are a lifesaver for anyone in a time crunch, and they’re one of the highest ROI products you can offer. If you don’t have them, this is the year to add them.
 
You can also create:

• Small themed gift bundles
• Stocking stuffer displays
• Grab-and-go treats or purchase add-ons
• Digital gift cards for last-minute shoppers

 
Anything that shortens decision-making for your customers will boost sales when traffic hits its peak.
5. Streamline Curbside or Online Ordering Before Things Get BusyConvenience is key during the holidays. If your online ordering, reservation system, or curbside pickup process feels a little clunky today, it will feel downright stressful on December 15.
 
Now is the perfect time to:

• Run a test order
• Check that links work
• Update product descriptions
• Confirm your inventory tracking is accurate
• Make pickup instructions extremely clear

 
Even a small digital tune-up can make the difference between a smooth holiday season and a frantic one.

Bonus: Create One Holiday Highlight That Sets You ApartA lot of businesses do holiday promotions. Far fewer do something memorable. Consider spotlighting one special element this season to help you stand out. It could be a signature drink, a limited-time dish, a themed shopping night, a charity tie-in, or a mini experience customers can’t get anywhere else.
 
Small moments of delight build loyalty. And the holidays are the perfect time to create them.

Speaking of Spotlights, Your Chamber is Here to HelpYou don’t have to tackle holiday readiness on your own. We’re participating in Small Business Season this year with our own Keep The Cheer Here campaign for our members.  If you would like your own “spotlight,” call us 317-477-4188 or email [email protected] for more information. 
 
This season, tell us what you’re working on, and we’ll help get the word out.

Share your holiday hours, promotions, themed events, or special offerings and we’ll amplify them through our social media, weekly newsletters and Keep The Cheer Here holiday eblasts so more customers know exactly where to shop, dine, and celebrate.

Let’s make this your smoothest and strongest holiday season yet.