5 end-of-year sales strategies to keep your business humming after the holidays

Are you bracing for a post-holiday drop in sales and profitability? It doesn’t have to be that way. Although the first quarter is known for sluggish sales, proactive end-of-year sales strategies can continue holiday sales momentum into the new year.

The good news is that for many businesses outside traditional gift-giving categories, this time of year can be an opportunity to meet your sales goals. Consumers often shift their spending priorities from holiday shopping to more practical purchases, such as furniture, appliances, tires, mattresses, and other must-haves.

But even if consumers need what you offer, it can still be tough to draw them into your store or website. January is often a time for a return to more spending disciplined habits. After the holiday spending splurge, many are tightening their budgets or are generally disinterested in buying new items.

Even if your customers need what you offer, they may simply be cash-strapped and unable to pay for it upfront. Offering more financing options, including solutions for those with less-than-perfect credit, can help solve that issue.  

Despite these challenges, your business can prepare for and thrive by implementing targeted strategies to end the year on a high note and maintain holiday sales momentum into the new year. Here are five strategies to consider.

1. Double down on marketing

January is the perfect time to ramp up your marketing efforts. Offer and promote compelling reasons to shop with you, such as exclusive sales or loyalty programs that reward repeat business. If you offer seasonal purchases, such as winter tires, promote those purchases during this time. And use in-store and online marketing materials to make sure your customers know all the financing options you offer.

Your social media strategy is a crucial piece of your marketing efforts. Engage with your audience on social media platforms by sharing valuable and timely content, interacting through comments, sharing customer testimonials, and using targeted ads to reach your ideal customers. Social media provides a direct line to your audience, making it an invaluable tool for maintaining engagement and setting consumer expectations.

2. Boost your online presence

Having a strong online presence can help you capture post-holiday traffic sales. Your website is your online front door, encouraging browsers to become buyers. Make sure you have important information on your site, including store hours, brands you carry, your location, and available financing options.

If your site is also for e-commerce, make sure it's easy for your customers to browse, search, and find what they're looking for. Consider incorporating features such as cross-selling, which can increase average order value by suggesting complementary products and services. To convert visitors into customers, regularly update your content, offer easy navigation, and ensure your checkout process is seamless, including clearly outlined financing options.

Optimize your site for search engines by using relevant keywords, meta tags, and descriptions to improve visibility. A site that loads quickly and displays correctly on all devices, including mobile phones and tablets, will enhance your users' experience and reduce bounce rates.

3. Drive in-store traffic

Encouraging in-store traffic can help move excess inventory and create an active shopping environment to help meet your sales targets. Use sales, discounts, and other promotions strategically to create a sense of urgency. Offering limited-time deals can create urgency among shoppers.

Consider providing small incentives, such as free coffee or snacks, to enhance the shopping experience and encourage longer visits. Hosting events or workshops can also draw customers into your store, providing opportunities to showcase products and services and build relationships. The goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages foot traffic and boosts sales.

4. Refresh your space

A fresh, inviting store can make a big difference in attracting and retaining customers. After the holiday rush, take time to update your displays and make sure all holiday decorations are quickly removed. Organize your customer-facing spaces to make your store feel vibrant and engaging. Consider rearranging inventory to highlight new or seasonal items and keep the layout dynamic and interesting for repeat visitors.

Don't forget about your backroom. January is a great time to reorganize your storeroom and offices. A well-organized storeroom allows for more efficient inventory management, reduces clutter, and streamlines daily operations. This process can also uncover gaps in processes or systems, offering an opportunity to refine workflows and practices for the remainder of the year.

5. Try something new

Innovation can be a key driver of post-holiday success. A slower pace in your business is a good time to test new products, services, or marketing strategies without the pressure of peak-season demands. Trying something new in January can set the tone for the year ahead, fostering a culture of innovation with your team and helping to differentiate your business from competitors.

Consider providing new financing options or promoting current offerings that open your business to new customer segments, such as those with low or subprime credit scores. Customers may not be able to pay for an item upfront, especially after the holidays, or may not qualify for traditional financing. More inclusive financing can help more customers get what they need and help you grow your business.

Innovation could also mean launching new products or introducing fresh inventory. Try starting or revitalizing a loyalty program to encourage repeat business. Promote inclusive financing options to reach new customers who need help getting what they need.  

Thrive in 2025

The transition from holiday sales into the new year doesn’t have to mean a downturn for your business. Now is the time to refocus, innovate, and engage with customers, ensuring that your business remains vibrant and successful well beyond the holiday season. By planning ahead and implementing key strategies, you can maintain your Q4 sales momentum and continue to thrive in 2025.

About Snap Finance

Snap Finance harnesses the power of data to empower consumers of all credit types to get what they need. Launched in 2012, Snap’s technology brings together more than a decade of data, machine learning, and nontraditional risk variables to create a proprietary decisioning platform that looks at each customer through a more holistic, human lens. Snap’s flexible lease-to-own and loan solutions are changing the face and pace of consumer retail finance.

For more information, visit snapfinance.com.

Snap-branded product offering includes retail installment contracts and lease-to-own financing. Talk with your local Snap sales representative for more details on which product qualifies at your store location. For more detailed information, please visit snapfinance.com/legal/financing-options.