Make sure you can do the right things in the run-up to Christmas this year. We've put together tailored advice for independent retailers to save time and maximise the Golden Quarter.
The Golden Quarter offers plenty of opportunities for retailers to maximise sales in the lead-up to Christmas, but knowing what these are and how to capitalise on them often takes time - which can be in short supply in a high street shop!
With no time to plan for the golden quarter, it can just become a case of doing the same things and hoping the change in season brings more customers and more revenue. We've worked with our expert service partners to break down how to stay a step ahead during the Golden Quarter - so you spend far less time finding the right ideas, information and inspiration ahead of the Christmas period and instead use that precious time to put them into action and boost your sales.
Optimise your staff
7 ways to support and sustain high-performing retail team members
Your top retail staff set the pace for success — but even the best can burn out without the right support. Learn seven practical ways to keep high performers engaged, motivated, and thriving. From recognition and wellbeing to fair workloads and growth opportunities, discover how to build a culture where talent stays energised and committed, driving long-term results for your organisation.
Create a mood for spending
5 ways music can boost shopper engagement and sales
The Golden Quarter can define a retailer’s success. Background music creates festive atmosphere, encourages browsing, reinforces brand identity, and boosts staff morale, improving service and sales. Using curated or royalty-free playlists offers a cost-effective, flexible way to transform stores into inviting, memorable spaces that enhance both customer experience and loyalty.
Offer easy ways to pay
Cash, contactless, or digital? Preparing for festive payment trends
As we head into the busy festive period, it’s always a good idea to make sure that you’re well prepared for the increased footfall. As you’re likely to serve more customers and process more transactions, understanding your customers' purchasing behaviour can help you stay organised. Our partners over at takepayments, a Global Payments company, are industry experts when it comes to payments and have conducted some research to understand just that.
Prep to avoid unnecessary distractions
Safeguard stock, staff, and sales this season
Maximise your golden quarter while minimising risk. Review seasonal stock cover, protect against cold damage, ensure temp staff are insured and trained, strengthen cyber security, plan for business interruptions, and maintain in-store safety. Simple preparations and the right insurance help your shop, staff, and sales thrive this winter.
Take care of your online shoppers
Prepare your ecommerce for early holiday customers
Online sales peak in November, so now is the time to optimise your ecommerce site. Analyse last year’s data, set up Google Tag Manager, and implement customer incentives. Quick, targeted actions ensure your business captures early-season shoppers and maximises online sales during the crucial holiday months.
Get ahead of retail crime
Protect your shop from theft during the busiest months
The golden quarter is your busiest—and riskiest—time of year. With over 516,000 shoplifting offences in 2024, focus on high-risk items, train staff, and check alarms and CCTV regularly. By acting strategically, you can protect profits, staff, and customers while keeping your store welcoming.
Make the most of the Christmas Rush!
Independent retailers are the heart of our high streets — and the festive season is your time to thrive.
This simple guide is designed to help you make the most of it, offering practical advice to boost sales, support your staff, and overcome seasonal challenges.
You’ll learn how to engage customers, simplify payments, strengthen security, grow online sales, and reduce retail crime — all designed to help your business sparkle this season.
- Optimise your staff - 7 ways to support and sustain high-performing retail team members
- Create a mood for spending- 5 ways music can boost shopper engagement and sales
- Offer easy ways to pay - Cash, contactless, or digital? Preparing for festive payment trends
- Prep to avoid unnecessary distractions - Safeguard stock, staff, and sales this season
- Take care of your online shoppers - Prepare your e-commerce for early holiday customers
- Get ahead of retail crime - Protect your shop from theft during the busiest months