As the holiday season quickly approaches, many bakeries start to experience mass orders and mass crowds on a regular basis. While the chaos of the holiday season benefits most bakeries, it can also make the season particularly overwhelming. It is important for bakeries to be prepared for the holiday season before it comes and there are several ways to do so.

Have Baked Goods To-Go

People are extremely busy during the holiday season and they also spend a lot of their own time baking for events. When people grow tired of baking their own desserts or when they are rushed on time, they are visiting bakeries searching “to-go” baked goods. Having a wide selection of baked goods available for customers will help you sell more products. You should have cookies, pies, cupcakes, etc., ready to go at a moment’s notice for a rushed customer. Many people don’t have the time to place a customized order if they are searching for something on short notice. If you don’t have pre-made items, you’ll lose their business. It is important to provide options that are both affordable and appealing.

Get Customers to Linger

Bakeries are often bustling during the holiday season and people will quickly rush in and out just to pick up their order. However, many bakeries also get people “lingering” during the holiday season that are searching for an item as a gift for a hostess or as a last minute treat for someone special. Your bakery should present a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere to entice people to stay and browse. Consider adding several tables that will invite people to kick back and enjoy a treat. You should also consider serving coffee or cappuccinos as an incentive to get customers to spend more time in the store. Samples will allow customers to try a taste of item before they commit to purchasing it in a full-sized portion. If customers start to feel comfortable, appreciated, and recognized, they are more likely to return in the future.

Be an All-Inclusive Bakery

The month of December should not just focus on Christmas and many bakeries make that mistake. Your bakery should focus in on making treats appropriate for all seasonal holidays such as Hanukah, Kwanza, and New Year’s Eve. It can be hard to find baked goods that aren’t Christmas themed and many customers might struggle to find items that highlight their preferred holiday. If you can offer a variety of treats focused on each relevant holiday, you are not only making a sale but you are making someone’s day as well. Consider putting up decorations for each holiday as well or just stick with a “winter” themed décor to appeal to all customers.

All of these suggestions will help you prepare your bakery for the holiday season. Primarily, you should make sure your bakery is offering a wide selection of pre-made items, is inviting to customers, and has products appealing to all audiences. For more bakery advice, visit Empire Bakery’s blog.