Marylanders are ready to shop local this holiday season., That means big opportunities for small businesses.
Whether you run a boutique in Frederick, a gift shop along Bel Air’s Main Street, or a stall at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Christmas Village, the 2025 season is your chance to shine.
Shoppers may be more value-conscious this year. But they’re still spending, especially with retailers that plan ahead, offer early bird deals, provide a great experience, and have easy online checkout options.
Here’s how you can start preparing now to make 2025your most successful holiday season yet.
What is the holiday spending outlook?
Salsify’s 2025 Holiday Pulse Report shared a sleigh-full of positive holiday business findings.
- The gift-giving spirit is strong: More than 50%of shoppers plan to spend the same amount of money as last holiday season.
- Peak shopping kicks off soon: Most families start picking out gifts in September and continue browsing through December.
- Mobile purchases will dominate: 59% of consumers plan to buy on a smartphone.
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a big deal: 73% of shoppers plan to take advantage of Black Friday sales, and 61% anticipate buying on Cyber Monday.
Holiday shopping tips for retailers
It’s the most magical (and hectic) season of the year. Use these strategies to ensure your business is ready for the merry madness.
Prep for holiday business
- Review last year’s sales data: Use that information to plan this year’s inventory and staffing.
- Create a holiday-specific budget and cash buffer: Consider short-term financing or working capital tools.
- Consider 2024 wins: Think about what products, marketing strategies, and deals were a big hit last year.
- Be prepared to adapt: Consumer demand can quickly shift.
Market to budget-conscious buyers
- Show the gift’s value: Highlight affordability, convenience, and your business’s values in promotions.
- Offer early bird deals: Early holiday shopping happens before December.
- Create authentic content: Your brand’s story matters to consumers who want to support local businesses in their community.
- Think mobile first: Invest in smartphone-optimized websites and simple checkout processes.
Build your holiday dream team
- Start seasonal hiring now: Don’t wait for the holiday customer service rush when reliable staff will be in high demand.
- Train employees early: Ensure your team is knowledgeable on store policies, products, and return windows.
- Great customer experience matters: According to 88% of shoppers, their experience with your company is equally as important as the products and services you provide.
Planning with tariffs in mind
Inflation and pending 2025 tariffs could impact your bottom line, especially if your business relies on international suppliers.
You can stay ahead of last-minute stress by diversifying suppliers, stocking up on products early, and building wiggle room into your prices.
‘Tis the season for business success
Let’s make this your best season yet. Connect with our business team for help with budgeting, staffing support, or financial planning. You can count on us to be a trusted financial partner, so you can focus on growing your sales.
