Thanksgiving Success Strategies: Beyond Just Staying Open

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, convenience stores have a unique opportunity to boost sales by going beyond simply staying open. From capitalizing on seasonal inventory to encouraging repeat visits on Black Friday, these Thanksgiving strategies can help your store maximize profit and provide customers with a memorable, convenient experience. Here are some creative ways to make the most of the season.

1. Push the Last of Your Fall Flavors with Promotions and Bundles

Thanksgiving is your last chance to sell any remaining pumpkin spice, cinnamon apple, and other fall-flavored products before winter items take center stage. Consider creating special promotions or bundles for these items, which not only draws attention but also can increase the volume sold. For example:

• “Thanksgiving Flavor Combo”: Bundle a pumpkin spice coffee with a cinnamon pastry for a limited-time discount.
• Seasonal Price Drops: Offer markdowns on seasonal snacks, coffee syrups, and packaged items that fall under the holiday theme.

Highlighting these promotions in-store and on trunow can encourage customers to grab their favorite seasonal treats before they’re gone. A quick sign at the counter or pump letting customers know these items are on "final sale” for the season could drive additional interest.

2. Register for the trunow Shopper Loyalty App

If you’re not yet registered with trunow, it’s not too late to sign up. trunow allows consumers to locate products they love at convenience stores near them, making it an ideal way to draw in new foot traffic for Thanksgiving and beyond. By being part of a searchable network, you can attract customers seeking seasonal items, snacks, and essentials they might not find elsewhere. With trunow, you can engage with nearby shoppers and stand out as both a reliable and convenient stop.

3. Offer Black Friday Morning Specials and Coffee and Breakfast

Thanksgiving isn’t the only major event in November – Black Friday is a prime opportunity to draw in early shoppers and regular customers before the head out for big shopping sprees. Show appreciation and provide an extra incentive for early risers by offering deals on coffee, breakfast items, or combos. Consider offering:

• Discounted Coffee: Offer a Black Friday discount on coffee, such as “Buy One, Get One” or “Half-Off Morning Brew.”
• Breakfast Bundles: Creates a quick “Black Friday Breakfast Special” bundle, such as a coffee and breakfast sandwich for a special rate.

Promoting these deals in advance can help encourage regular customers to choose your store as their morning stop.

4. Employee Tips of Holiday Safety and theft Prevention

With increased foot traffic around Thanksgiving and Black Friday, it’s essential to prepare staff for potential theft and ensure customer and employee safety. Here are some helpful tips to share with your team:

• Watch for Suspicious Activity: Encourage employees to keep an eye out for unusual behavior, especially around high-theft items and seasonal displays.
• Be Extra Attentive to Crowded Areas: With many customers shopping at once, areas of the store can become crowded. Remind employees to stay alert and keep high-traffic areas organized and accessible.
• Use Friendly Customer Service as a Deterrent: Friendly, attentive customer service often discourages theft. Remind employees to greet customers warmly and offer assistance, which not only enhances the shopping experience but can deter would-be shoplifters.
• Emphasize Safety Measures: Instruct employees to regularly check exits and restrooms, ensuring no one is lingering or causing disturbances. Additionally, make sure they know when to ask for help or report suspicious activities to management.

Taking full advantage of the Thanksgiving and Black Friday season can be a rewarding boost for your business. By leveraging the trunow app, which connects consumers, store owners, and even distributors and manufacturers, you’re not only attracting nearby customers but also positioning your store as a go-to for favorite products and deals. If additional security is a priority, now is also a great time to explore surveillance services, including location monitoring, to enhance safety during this busy season and beyond. To learn more or to see a demo of trunow and surveillance solutions, please schedule a free store evaluation at your convenience.