1. Color, my approach to store design is simple use paint to change the mood. Your store should be neutralized with wall colors like Benjamin Moore: Delaware Putty, White Sand or even Bronze Beige. Pick 1 area in your store that you can color block - one of my favorite colors for the Xmas season is Rouge by Benjamin Moore. Try this one -  all it takes is a quart of paint.
 
2.    Special note about  merchandising - only products that sell well should be on your floor at this time. You should have reports in hand that show you what sold and what didn't from last year. I hope your products reflect what your customers want and will buy. Make sure you are  bringing products out from the stock room daily.

3.    Staff training must continue weekly - focus on selling, product knowledge, store procedures and customer service. I know it's busy but a weekly check-in with your staff is a must. Never stop training; never stop getting feedback from your staff on how things are going.

4.    Daily work plans for every staff member are a must - your goal setting doesn't change when things get busy. It can be even more crucial at this time. I believe if it's in writing it keeps the work that needs to be done in the forefront of your staff's mind.

You've heard the usual doom and gloom.  The economy is in the dumps.  Dun-dun-dun.  Womp womp. 

But economists are changing their collective tune as of late.  Retail sales dropped by 1.5% in September after a 2.7% sales surge in August (inspired by the Cash for Clunkers program) took place (cnn.com).  At first glance this sales drop seems negative, but the silver lining is in the numbers.  The sales drop following the previous month's rise in sales was relatively low in comparison to other post-surge months during the recession.  Could it be over?  Is the sunshine finally burning through the clouds?

If it is, it won't happen quickly.  According to iStockAnalyst.com, "federal debt and unemployment will hamper the nation's recovery."  The National Association for Business Economics recently released the findings of its October 2009 Outlook Survey:

Seeing the first Christmas ad of the year is a lot like seeing your first gray hair - it's a wake-up call.  It's become almost cliché to acknowledge how early Christmas envelopes our advertisements, circulars, and window displays, but every year it seems that the twinkling lights and singing snowmen work their way closer and closer to summertime as businesses look to start the holiday rush early. 

Pre-Halloween Christmas displays aren't as crazy as you'd think.   A John Lewis store in Hampshire, England put up its Christmas display in September.  By doing this, they've made headlines.  And as they say, any publicity is good publicity.

So while an early Christmas display might bring some novelty to your storefront, it might also seem a bit overbearing (especially in economic times such as these).  Now might be the time to start planning for your storefront's holiday décor. 

In 2008 sales fell 3.4% during the holiday rush.  In 2009 sales are speculated to be weakened by 1%.   The Baltimore Sun is reporting that some economists believe consumers are going to continue spending on a budget during the holiday season.  The Sun is also reporting, however, that other economists are speculating consumers have been saving for the holiday season, and will resume penny pinching once it is over. (1)

With all the, he-says-she-says speculation on the less than a month away holiday season, how can Independent Retailers prepare for the holiday rush?

The scariest month is upon us - no, not February when the bitter wind chill makes even the most active consumer a bit sluggish - but October.  Halloween is a month away, so it's time to get in the decorating mood.  I find myself feeling more connected more to a retailer who has put up decorations in the front window.  Fake spiders, cotton-ball cobwebs and bloody hands in your storefront go a long way.  While sure, it reminds customers of the holiday fast approaching, it more importantly makes your store more welcoming.

How are your plans for Holiday 2009 coming along? Yes, I said the H word. Holiday. 'Where did summer go?' I hear you gasping!