Lights are going up, people are starting to wear warmer clothing, promos are being sent out or advertised. That can only mean one thing: The holiday shopping season is upon us!

If you’re a retailer who hasn’t yet planned for the busiest shopping season of the year, you might feel like you’re too late. But don’t worry! There’s still time to put together some winning holiday promotions that will wow your customers and land you in the black for the year.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ways to prepare your store for the holiday season.

Review Last Year’s Performance to Guide This Year’s Strategy

Before diving into holiday planning, it’s important to revisit last year’s sales data. Your EPOS system can provide valuable insights into what resonated with customers and what missed the mark. Look closely at which products sold best, which ones underperformed, and where you ran out of stock too early. This look at last year will help you shape a smarter, more responsive strategy for the season ahead.

Over and understocking is a common pitfall, especially during the holidays, so let historical data guide your purchasing decisions and help you strike the right balance. Too little stock means missed opportunities; too much leads to heavy post-season markdowns. Both lead to lost revenue.

Your EPOS reports can forecast demand by day, week, and category. Segment your inventory strategy by product type. Fast-moving items like chocolates and decorations may need frequent restocks, while specialty goods like turkeys require tighter control. Build flexibility into your supply chain where possible, whether through staggered deliveries or supplier agreements that allow for quick replenishment. Try to stay agile without compromising product availability.

Curate Irresistible Seasonal Offers that Stand Out

The holiday season is a competitive landscape, and your product mix needs to be compelling enough to draw customers in. Seasonal favourites like turkeys, advent calendars, Quality Street tins, and cinnamon-infused café specials tap into nostalgia and drive impulse purchases. Specialty items and limited-edition bundles can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity.

Think about how you can elevate the customer experience, too. Offer festive packaging, gift-wrapping services, or themed countdown promotions to add value beyond price. Use your EPOS insights to identify natural product pairings and build offers that feel curated rather than generic.

Market with Precision and Personality

Even the best offers need the right marketing to succeed. Use your EPOS  to reach customers with timely, relevant messages. Activate your customer list with festive emails or SMS alerts tailored to past purchase behaviour. In-store signage should be clear, festive, and strategically placed to highlight key promotions. Personalised offers, such as extra loyalty points for holiday purchases or early access to seasonal bundles, can deepen engagement and drive repeat visits. Consider adding a sense of urgency as well using countdowns, limited stock alerts, or exclusive time-sensitive deals. Remember that holiday marketing needs visibility that is both personal and memorable to really land.

Do you need help using your EPOS to prepare for the holiday season? Everything EPOS is here for you! Contact our EPOS specialists to discuss how your business can make the most out of the end of the year.