“Last-minute shopping” is the name of the game during the holidays. Convenience stores are uniquely positioned to provide people who are falling behind on their shopping with a way to still achieve their goals without a lot of effort. Not that you’ll be capturing gift-givers who will be looking for high-end electronics, but more for the people who need emergency wrapping paper, cellophane tape, bows, ribbons, and, of course, stocking stuffers galore. The key is to remind your local market that you are there for all their last-minute needs. Here are a few ways to achieve that.

• • Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) – The U.S. Postal Service has a product that allows you to send postcards or other advertising messages to targeted zip codes around your store’s location. No postage is required. The mail carrier simply delivers your message with the regular mail to everyone on his or her route. For the exposure you receive, it’s a cost-effective way to generate some additional foot traffic. Remind people that you offer extended business hours without all the hectic crowds people will run into at the mall or even at local grocery stores.

• • Window signs – Catch the attention of people driving by your store with large and colorful signage. Get the message out that you have what people need for all their last-minute shopping.

• • Holiday-branded merchandise – As mentioned previously, you have all of the elements for really great stocking stuffers, easy Secret Santa gifts, and even convenience foods for holiday office parties. Having holiday-branded items up front and center in your store will remind people what you have to offer to increase impulse buys from customers who are already in your store.

Atlantic Dominion Distributors can help you take advantage of seasonal shopping. We offer the largest inventory of food and non-food items for convenience stores that tie into holiday shopping, as well as all the other things your regular customers come to you for in the first place. With our next-day delivery service, you don’t need to worry about stocking large amounts of inventory to keep up with the demand, either. Just give us a call and let us know what you’re interested in, we can tell you about seasonally branded specialty items we have, then provide you with the best holiday product mix to capitalize on holiday sales.