281. When to Flip Your Store to Christmas: What the Data Says About Timing Your Holiday Merchandising

Every fall, shop owners split into two camps. One says never rush the season. The other says shoppers are already out there spending, so meet them where they are. Both camps have a point, and in this episode Kathy walks through the data so you can make the call with confidence instead of going with your gut alone. Kathy breaks down three approaches to timing your holiday merchandising: flipping early, waiting for the traditional post-Thanksgiving switch, and the hybrid approach she recommends most often. She digs into what the research actually says, including consumer shopping trends showing holiday spending is starting earlier every year, a Cornell study on how storefront windows shape the way customers see your store, and why choice overload can backfire if you flip too much, too fast. You'll also get a practical, month-by-month scheduling framework you can adapt to your own store and community, plus Kathy's take on where holiday merchandise should live inside your shop so it earns its keep instead of collecting dust in a back corner. Plus, one last chance to grab Plan for Profit, Kathy's Q4 planning workshop for retailers who are done winging the busiest quarter of the year. Registration closes September 30, with replay access through October 15. For show notes, including links to the documentary and resources I mentioned in this episode, visit www.savvyshopkeeper.com/281  Kathy Cruz is an Independent Retail Coach who helps store owners work smarter, profit more, and grow their brick and mortar businesses. Connect with Kathy and learn more here: Website: Savvy ShopkeeperInstagram: @savvyshopkeeperMastermind Group: Master Shopkeepers