How To Run A Covid-Safe Small Business Saturday Drive

Not sure how to keep customers and your team safe on Small Business Saturday? Here’s our guide.

How To Run A Covid-Safe Small Business Saturday Drive

By creating a safer experience for shoppers and staff, you’ll be more attractive to people who want to shop and still be safe. Here are some ideas.

• Ensure Safety - Make shoppers feel comfortable by making them feel safe. Here’s how to do it.
  • Have policies in place that encourage/require masking and social distancing. 
  • Make customers aware of your policies through social media posts, email messages, and signs on your front door. 
  • Use In-Store Signage, such as the free and ready-made Shop Small resources created by American Express, including social distancing posters and holiday social posts.
  • Offer complimentary wipes and sanitizer to show your commitment to safety. 
  • If you have space outside your business, and you’re able, set up shop outside so shoppers can browse there. It’ll give shoppers more space to socially distance themselves.
  • Provide contactless payments to add another layer of safety, speed up checking out, and provide more convenience for customers.
  • Offer special appointment times that shoppers can choose so they know there will be fewer customers and they’ll get more attention. 

Ask customers to be safe by doing the following:

• • Carrying hand sanitizer and using it frequently
  • Paying attention to and obeying directional and social distance signs on floors and other places
  • Not touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Not handling items they don’t plan to purchase.
  • Carrying their own pen for signatures and receipts.
  • Staying home if they’re sick or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Checking out another place if the store looks busy and coming back when it’s less crowded.
• Educate Staff - Prepare your staff for the big day by having a team meeting before Small Business Saturday that addresses the following issues.
  • Ask team members to wipe down high-touch areas in view of customers so they know you’re taking their health seriously.
  • Encourage them to greet every customer the minute they arrive.
  • Make sure staff understand the merchandise so they can offer advice, upsell and cross-sell in a natural way, and give customers a good experience while getting them into and out of the store as quickly as possible. 
  • Remind employees that increased in-store assistance means shoppers don’t have to linger, which can make them feel more comfortable, and may reduce theft.
  • Have employees follow these guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
    • Encourage workers to stay home if they feel sick.
    • Provide hand sanitizer and require frequent handwashing with soap and water.
    • Clean regularly and disinfect surfaces. 
    • Practice social distancing with shoppers and employees.
    • Train workers on proper hygiene and cleaning protocols.
    • Ask workers to wear masks.
    • Expand your curbside or takeout service.
    • Encourage employees to share safety concerns.
    • Keep at least 6 feet of distance between people.
• Increase Options - Here are some ways you can make it easier and safer for people to shop with and buy from you.
  • Take orders by email and phone.
  • Accept various ways to pay ahead to limit interaction.
  • Offer delivery or curbside pickup. Provide contactless pickup and in-home deliveries that help maintain social distancing protocols designed to keep employees and customers safe. 
  • Allow customers to place orders online with the options of picking up their items outside or home delivery.
  • Drive sales by making your business accessible to online customers this Small Business Saturday. The CDC recommends shopping online rather than in-stores, and consumers may not feel safe going into stores even with safety measures in place. That’s why it’s important to make your products available by enhancing your online options.
  • Develop digital experiences to encourage shopping and share the joy. 
    • Try a White Elephant Gift Guide by grouping your quirkiest items into one place and using social media to help spread the word out about those items. 
    • Create Holiday Party Kits for a virtual celebration at home.
    • Create a Holiday Countdown Campaign to excite your community.
    • Use your website and social media platforms to get more customers to come into your store. Keep them engaged by sharing special shopping hours, event details, and inventory updates.
    • Create an online gift catalog that lets shoppers browse from home for discovery and inspiration. It can be used as a wish list that will bring them through your door for the perfect gift.

If you want more ideas about preparing for Small Business Saturday, read our article Small Business Saturday Preparedness Checklist, or contact us.

Tags: Small Business Saturday, Covid