While the last quarter of the year has traditionally been the high point of the year for retailers, it’s a chance for all businesses (including ours!) to hit or exceed our targets for the year. We’ve got a few things to think about…

Employees

As you know, your team is the secret to your success. Keeping them happy and healthy this holiday season will not only help avoid burnout in permanent as well as seasonal staff, but help you retain more of your people. And keeping good talent is much cheaper than trying to continually hire new people.

1. Safety

Front of house for retailers and warehouse staff for safety managers are obvious places to start. But are you also making sure that back of house and office workers are set up for safety and success? Ergonomics is key for all your talent, no matter where they happen to be located.

If you’ve got workers who stand at folding tables, make sure they’re not crouching down and straining their backs. Lift the surface with folding table risers if you need better ergonomics. 

We’ve found there are a few typical spots where your staff might be standing to work at folding tables.

• Receiving

• Packing/Assembling

• Gift wrapping

Since gift wrappers may often be temporary or seasonal workers, it’s much easier to set them up at a folding table that you already have somewhere in the store. And wrapping while standing is easier for them too. Click here to see gift wrappers in action at a comfortable height.

• Displays

Bring your carefully curated displays closer to the customers standing and walking around your store. That way they don’t have to crouch down to look at the items. Plus, your merch is closer to eye level and more likely to catch a shopper’s eye.

• COVID-19/Safety barriers

Unfortunately we’re still dealing with the effects of the pandemic. A 6’ folding table is the perfect size to make sure everyone stays apart for their safety. Bringing these tables up to standing height also makes it easier for customers to see and take note of them.

2. Training

Many business owners take on seasonal employees over the holidays. If you have part-time employees, consider asking them if they’d like to take additional hours first.

If you do need to add on additional people, make sure that they’re trained before they start representing you and your business to the public. They’ll need copies of the same policies (such as code of conduct) that your usual staff does. Don’t forget to train them on safety procedures as well.

3. Staffing

The end of the year can be a little tricky. Your employees want to spend time with their families and friends, at the same time that you’ll (hopefully) be swamped with customers. You may or may not be able to plan ahead, since holiday travel is often determined at the last minute. Part-time help might be the answer in the event that some of your scheduled staff doesn’t make it.

Your staff will greatly appreciate an expression of gratitude from you. If you have the cashflow, you could consider awarding bonuses. 

If not (or in addition), a holiday party can be a lot of fun as well. Just make sure that you have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and that there’s enough food for everyone too. Keep an eye (or have someone take on the responsibility) to ensure that anyone who shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a car gets a ride home.

Business Location

Depending on where you’re located, you may need to winterize your site to keep everyone safe. Check your lease to see what maintenance you’re responsible for and what the real estate management company will cover. Don’t forget that the location may extend to the sidewalks and parking lot around it.

Inside, an umbrella stand by the door can prevent water from turning your floor into a dangerous slip ‘n slide. Heavy mats (that people can’t trip over) can soak up some slush and salt when people enter. Make sure you have plenty of mops and warning signs for wet floors and any other winter issues that you typically encounter.

Finances

It’s no time to forget about the bottom line!

5. Expenses

While you’re probably expecting quite a bit of revenue to come through your business in the next few months, keep an eye on your profits too. Be adequately staffed for your business, but keep an eye on your run rate.

Put your marketing budget to good use! Now (before the 4th quarter gets under way) is a good time to plan for more inventory of your seasonal items and any marketing or promotional campaigns that you’re planning, online or off. You may want to provide discounts, change your return/exchange policy to keep customers happy, and so on.

6. Review your strategy

This is also a good time to review your business plan (you will not have time during the holidays!) and catch up on any bookkeeping or tax-related concerns. 

Planning now before the 4th quarter officially kicks off can allow you to focus more on what you need to do for an excellent end to 2021. 

Need to lift up the surface of your folding tables to ensure that your workers can stay safe and avoid back pain? Click here to view our product line of folding table risers.

Lift Your TableⓇ… SAVE YOUR BACK!