We all have holiday retail items. These are items the salon owner purchases to increase holiday sales. Some of these items may be special purchases, stocking stuffers, or free gifts with purchase. Retailing these items helps the salon to sell more retail and gain those holiday dollars. It also helps to finish the year with a bang financially. There are many ways to offer holiday retail items to your clients. Here is a list of a few to help you out.

• Special Purchases: All year our clients has been purchasing their hair and nail care products from us. During the holiday season, many manufactures have special pricing on their retail items. I know some products come packaged with larger-sized products at the regular price. Remember the items that your clients usually purchase from you and let them know about the special purchases for the holidays. They'll be happy you remembered their favorite products and that you're telling them about a great deal.

• Stocking Stuffers: These small items are impulse items and easy to grab. Tell your clients about these little bargains. Many manufacturers offer smaller sizes of their products during the holidays. Tell your clients to pick these purse-sized products up for themselves or someone else. Place a small basket or display at your station filled with these a little goodies. I guarantee that your clients will pick these small items up. Once they have these stocking stuffers in their hands, they'll want to take them home. Again, these are impulse purchases — something they did not plan to buy. They’re making the purchase because it is cute, inexpensive, small or mini-sized.

• Free Gift with Purchase: Manufacturers want clients to spend money and buy their products this holiday season. One way to get them to do that is to give an incentive by including a free gift with purchase. Many hair and nail products come with another product. Items are paired up with other products the company makes so they can try it. Manufacturers know after you try it, chances are you'll buy it. Many contain a special item that has been made for the brand and is only available during the holidays. Some boxed items may contain complimentary travel sizes, full-sized products, samples, or companion items. I know I just got a sparkly rhinestone headband with my Pureology shampoo and conditioner purchase. I didn't really need the hair products right now, but why wait when I can get a cute complimentary headband to wear during the holidays. I am going to purchase the shampoo and conditioner at some point, why not get it now with a free gift? See those retailers are smart — they got me to buy their item. Many women like me are distracted by shiny things. So many companies glitz up their products to make them more attractive. Talk to your clients about the free gift with purchase offers. It may be all you need to entice them into a purchase.

Ask your clients if they are done shopping for the holidays. Say, "Just to let you know we have a lot of really nice items for holiday gift giving. Some items are special purchases, some come with a free gift with purchase, and we have a lot of really cute stocking stuffers!" It's that easy to mention and showcase a few of your holiday favorites.

Holiday retail items with incentives — helping you to sell product and create more retail sales. One more way to make you stand out above the rest and become the BEST!

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!

— Jill