Don’t leave them guessing.
This holiday weekend, you’ll probably see many people who stop by the store while they’re home visiting family. There are three likely ways they’ll try to find out when you’ll be open. So before you leave tonight, update these three communication tools:
Your Website
Most people will look at your website first, because it requires the least amount of human interaction, and it’s so easily accessible on most mobile devices. Place a message prominently on your home page to let visitors know when you’ll be there. It could read something like this.
“Our physical store is closed on Thursday, November 27 for Thanksgiving. You’re welcome to shop online today, but if you’re planning to stop in, we’ll be open on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. And here’s a coupon for our Small Business Saturday special: buy one choco-latte, get one free!”
Your Answering Machine
Many customers will call on Thanksgiving, hoping to receive an answering machine. Give them what they want:
“Happy Thanksgiving! We’re closed today, but we’ll be open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and on Small Business Saturday. Be sure to print a coupon for our Small Business Saturday special from our website at www.booksandwhatnot.com, which is always open.”
Don’t forget to set a reminder for yourself to change the message on Friday morning when you get back to the store.
Your Front Door
I was always the kid assigned with this task: “Run up to the door and see when they’re open.” If people are out and about on Thanksgiving Day, they’ll expect to find holiday hours on your front door. Make it easy for them. (And for the children.)
