25 October 2024
The holiday season is one of the busiest times for hair and beauty salons, and being well-prepared can make a significant difference in both client experience and salon profits. Here is a detailed checklist to help you plan a successful Christmas for your salon.
Prepare Your Holiday Schedule & Staffing
Holiday Hours
Set extended holiday hours, if necessary, to accommodate more clients, and communicate these early on to avoid confusion. Looking back on last year’s utilisation will give you a good indication of where your busiest times were.
Team Availability
Have a team meeting and confirm availability with each team member to cover extended hours and avoid last-minute turn-aways.
Training
Offer refresher training for your team on new or popular services, retail, and client service to ensure they are ready for the rush. Make sure your team understand their KPI targets to maximise performance.
Seasonal Promotions
Create holiday-specific promotions, such as “Christmas Glow Facial” or “Holiday Hair Makeover.” Consider bundling services for increased bookings and creating packages to promote and book in the salon and online.
Gift Card Sales
Encourage gift card purchases, which are popular during the holiday season. Display gift cards prominently and offer them online if possible. Make sure you have multiple variables of gift cards to suit different budgets. Add a festive image to your gift cards too for an extra bit of sparkle.
Holiday Themed Packages
Combine services (e.g. an express manicure and a blow-dry) into themed packages like “Christmas Party Prep” to attract clients looking for something special.
Social Media Campaigns
Use Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and other platforms to showcase holiday offers, gift ideas, and the seasonal atmosphere in your salon.
Email Marketing
Send out newsletters to existing clients with exclusive offers, discounts, and information on holiday bookings. Even a simple prompt to make their Christmas appointment using SalonIQ’s intelligent marketing suite will reduce the amount of white space you have.
Stock Up on Retail Products
Ensure you are holding the right amount of popular products to avoid running out of stock. SalonIQ’s dead stock report is a fantastic way to avoid stocking stock that does not sell quickly. Stock holiday-themed items like scented candles, and limited-edition sets, check with your product rep for any special Christmas gift sets.
Seasonal Displays
Create a holiday-themed retail display near your reception area with appealing decorations to attract customers to impulse buys. Consider adding products at your hair stations and in your beauty rooms too.
Gift Wrapping Station
Offer complimentary gift wrapping for products and gift cards to add value and encourage more purchases. It is the TNT’s (tiny noticeable things) that make all the difference and create a memorable experience.
Team Product Knowledge
Ensure your team is trained on the features and benefits of all retail products to confidently recommend them to clients and boost retail sales.
Online Booking Reminders
Promote online booking for easy appointment scheduling. Send reminders to reduce no-shows and cancellations. Add 2-way messaging to let your clients reply to their messages easily. (Available with SalonIQ)
Up-Selling & Cross-Selling Opportunities
Train your team to suggest additional services, such as add-on treatments (e.g., hand massages with manicures), to boost revenue. A fantastic way to do this is to create a process where your team review the clients, they have booked for the day first thing in the morning. Your team checking their client’s history will also remind them of the services they have had in the past.
Time Management
Schedule services in blocks (e.g., back-to-back short appointments or longer ones) to maximise your time and keep the day flowing smoothly. Monitor your salons and team’s utilisation percentage to spot any gaps or bookings that could be moved to look after another client.
Decorations
Add Christmas-themed decorations like fairy lights, garlands, or a small tree to enhance the festive ambience.
Holiday Music
Curate a playlist with festive tunes to set a cheerful tone but keep the volume comfortable for clients.
Scented Candles or Diffusers
Use holiday scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or pine for an inviting experience.
Seasonal Refreshments
Offer festive treats like mulled wine, hot chocolate and marshmallows, or holiday cookies to create a memorable experience.
Holiday Customer Service Workshop
Brief your team on providing extra attention during the holiday rush, from warm welcomes to personalised service.
Pre-Holiday Client Consultations
Offer consultations for new or returning clients to discuss holiday styles or treatments in advance, reducing service time on busy days. Sending your clients advanced consultation forms prior to their appointment is a terrific way to be prepared.
Feedback Opportunities
Encourage feedback to improve the client experience and address any issues quickly. Make sure you have time to review the surveys you receive and share any positive feedback with your team straight away. This will give them a great boost.
Thank You Cards or Holiday Gift
Show appreciation by giving clients a small thank-you card or gift (like a sample product) to strengthen loyalty. Why not include a voucher for their booking in the New Year too, this will help your team focus on their rebooking % and ensure you are not quiet after Christmas.
Plan for the Post-Holiday Period
Encourage Rebooking
Rebooking is a KPI we encourage you to focus on at SalonIQ. Offer an incentive for clients to book their next appointment before they leave the salon. Remind your clients to get booked in with their top stylist at the time and day they prefer. It is a fantastic way to get your clients booked in straight away
By preparing in advance, your salon can make the most of the Christmas season, delight clients, and drive more sales.
Call a member of our team today on 01892 280 123
