Fall Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners

As the owner of a small business or local retail shop, the focus of your attention has likely shifted to planning ahead for the upcoming winter months and the rush of the holiday shopping season at this point in the year. However, don’t ignore the opportunities available now to drive business this fall - with the change in season comes a change in consumer habits. Read on for a few marketing ideas that will keep your business feeling fresh (and relevant!) for the fall season: 

Host an End of Summer Sale - Move leftover summer inventory that’s still sitting on your shelves before the cooler temperatures kick in by hosting an End of Summer clearance event. Consumers are always looking out for cost-saving promotions, and savvy shoppers will also be eager to scoop up the best deals to stock up on items to put away for next year. Clearance sales will help your business sell off these excess summer items and free up valuable shelf space for new seasonal merchandise, just in time for the holidays.  

Curate a Seasonal Experience - From outdoor festivals to new fashion trends, seasonal food & flavors to cozy home decor - there is so much about the experience of fall that you can tap into as a local business. Think about curating your own seasonal experience within your store’s footprint through in-store events, visual displays, and signage. You can also take advantage of local fall events and activities happening within your own community to get involved and further promote your business throughout the autumn season.

Celebrate Spooky Season - Millions of families enjoy Halloween celebrations each year, with 2021 spending reaching a record-setting $10 billion on candy, costumes and decorations! Get creative to bring the spooky season to life within your own small retail space: highlight Halloween merchandise prominently in your window displays and marketing materials throughout October, and consider hosting your own Hallloween-themed event to drive foot traffic through your doors.

The winter holidays will be here before we know it, but there’s still so much about the fall season that your business can leverage to avoid a lull in sales. Set yourself up for success this fall, and get ready to keep the momentum going through the end of the year!