We got an email the other day from a new shop owner. She just bought a small antique business earlier this year. She said sales have been slow and she wanted to know what she could do to get holiday traffic through the door. So we figured there might be other shop owners out there wondering the same thing. Here are several ways. 

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Most shops big and small host a holiday open house. For those that don't, we highly recommend it. Get with your dealers and create a sign-up sheet for volunteers. Usually, a dealer will volunteer for 2-4 hours at a time. They can help with things like wrapping purchases, walking the aisles, assisting customers or replenishing snacks.  rYou can also create a snack list and ask dealers to bring in cookies, drinks etc. If everyone pitches in it will make things run more smoothly. Be sure to share your event on all your social media platforms too. 

PHOTOS WITH SANTA We all know parents love taking photos of their children. So hire a Santa this year and give them another great reason to visit. Most shops hire a Santa for the day which is usually a Saturday and they will offer refreshments too. 

HOLIDAY PHOTO BOOTH I have seen some stores set up a holiday booth or small area for customers to stop and take photos. This is usually left up for the entire month of December. If you are on Instagram this is a great opportunity to drive some business your way. Create a unique hashtag for your customers to use. Ask customers to share their photos by tagging the store in this unique hashtag. Then share some of those customer photos on your Instagram or Facebook page. Customers will be delighted to see their face on your social media and they will share it on their social media pages too. Their friends will see and so on. Hey, it's free advertising and nothing is sweeter than word of mouth. Don't forget to place a sign in the booth asking customers to tag the store in their photo. Your sign could be a handwritten chalkboard message something like this: 
(I'm using Queen of Hearts Antiques as an example #QOHHoliday17)