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Plan, Pace & Promote
While Thanksgiving may leave you feeling wiped out, don’t sleep on December. It’s different—less predictable but packed with opportunity. To stay ahead, create a weekly plan, from staffing to promotions. The early part of December is slower, so it is perfect for getting organized and cleaning up after the Thanksgiving rush. Before you know it, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s will come fast. Stay on top of it by planning for December while organizing Thanksgiving. Pacing the transitions between November and December holidays week-by-week manages the momentum while keeping things fresh and exciting.
Merchandising: Navigating December’s Shifts
Merchandising in December is all about adapting to the shifting demands. Your displays should evolve from the beginning of the month to early January as customer priorities change. Early December is about keeping things simple, managing inventory and controlling waste. Shoppers are focused on prepping for the big holidays but aren’t yet in full celebration mode. They’re looking for value and convenience, not elaborate spreads. Keep displays clean and tight—overflowing sets can lead to unnecessary waste. Highlight easy and healthy meal items like salad mixes and kits, broccoli, cauliflower and grab-and-go fruits like apples and mandarins. Tighten up your inventory to maintain quality without risking spoilage.
By mid-December, the tempo picks up. Now is the time to shift displays from simple to abundant. If you offer citrus gift boxes, fruit baskets, or nuts, use POP signs and bows to inspire gifting — now is when these start moving. It’s also the moment to move seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans and specialty mushrooms front and center.
With key 2024 winter traditions lining up with Dec 25-26 start dates, and Christmas falling on a Wednesday, expect big sales starting on Saturday and ramping up through Tuesday. Inventory should be building as December 20th hits and stay ahead of demand. It’s better to have a small order the day before a holiday as a fill-in than to depend on everything the day before.
Post-December 25, sales may see a short lull, but it will be short-lived. Don’t underestimate New Year’s Eve, Day and the week that follows. While New Year’s might seem like a sleeper holiday, it’s packed with sales potential. People will be stocking up for one last party, breakfast food for the next morning, game day nosh and healthy options as they start eyeing their January resolutions. Think avocados for toast and guacamole, veggie trays, citrus, collard greens and berries.
Gift-Ready Produce: Capture Impulse Sales
December is prime time for impulse buys, especially when it comes to gifting. Shoppers spend more time browsing produce than any other department, so use this to your advantage by creating displays that encourage them to grab an easy, thoughtful gift.
This is where cross-merchandising can shine. Collaborate with other departments to showcase complementary gift options without cluttering your space. But remember, it’s still your department—make sure nothing gets in the way of customers easily viewing and selecting produce.
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Gift-Ready Produce: Feature citrus gift boxes, fruit baskets, nuts and quince.
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Cross-Merchandise: Pair produce with products from other departments to inspire DIY gifting. Housewares, grocery, wine and cheese departments make for a great collaboration. Citrus zesters, garlic presses, cutting boards, wine and food items like local cheeses and honey work well to prompt creative and thoughtful giving. Bows or adjacent displays of gift bags can also help drive sales.
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