How to get MEN into your store this holiday season! ⚦

As we speed toward the festive season, it's not just women who are scrambling to get those gifts purchased and wrapped...

While men are notoriously last-minute shoppers, there's a golden opportunity for retailers to capture their attention earlier!!

They key? Create an environment that speaks to them - direct, no frills, and genuinely engaging.

 Most men don't like to browse; they prefer efficiency, clarity and simplicity.

So how can we cater to them while ensuring they stick around and spend big?

Below are my 5 strategies to sell to men this upcoming holiday season, ensuring they enjoy the experience and leave with gifts in hand!!!

1. Make it quick and easy! Most men approach holiday shopping with one goal: get in, buy the gift(s), and get out!! They aren't looking to browse leisurely, so simplify their journey! Create a "Holiday Gift Guide for Him" with clear categories like "For Gym Goer", "Tech-saavy Dads" or "Gifts Under $50". Having a dedicated display area with top picks will keep them focused and less overwhelmed by the variety of choices.

 👉🏼 Offer clear signage that directs men through the store effortlessly, minimising decision fatigue and making shopping feel efficient.

2. Offer personalised recommendations. While men may not spend hours sifting through endless product lines, they do appreciate tailored suggestions. If they have previously purchased or browsed your store, you can send a personalised email or text, offering recommendations based on their past purchases. Think of it as their personal shopping assistant doing the hard work for them!!! 

👉🏼 Invest in simple customer data systems that allow for personalised messaging - this can make men feel understood and can streamline their shopping experience.

3. Keep it VISUAL. Unlike female shoppers who might read the fine print and research for days, men tend to gravitate towards visuals. Display your products in a way that speaks to their practicality and appeal. Use in-store visuals that highlight 'best-sellers' or 'must-haves' for Christmas. Even better, create gift bundles with clear descriptions of what's inside - this taps into their need for convenience while making the shopping process even faster!

👉🏼 Incorporate interactive screens or QR codes for product demos, allowing men to explore features and benefits quickly and visually.

4. Engage them through experiences. Turn holiday shopping into something fun and interactive! Create in-store experiences like whiskey tastings, tool demonstrations, or gaming sessions - whatever resonates with your male audience. By making your store a destination and not just a stop, you encourage men to stick around longer, which often results in bigger basket sizes.

👉🏼 Promote these in-store events through social media and email, targeting male shoppers who enjoy experiences and discovery as part of their shopping process.

5. Offer wrapping and delivery services. One surefire way to win over male shoppers is taking the hassle out of holiday preparation. Offering a free (or low-cost) gift-wrapping service is a huge bonus. Better yet, if you offer a delivery service, they'll jump at the chance to avoid carrying gifts around. For many men, the easier you can make their holiday season, the more likely they are to spend big in your store.  

👉🏼 Promote these services in advance and make it clear how easy you've made it for them to check off their gift list.

Ultimately, the key to getting men into your store this holiday season is to make their shopping experience as easy, efficient and enjoyable as possible!! Cut through the fluff, appeal to their need for speed, and watch as they become loyal customers!!

With the above strategies in play, your store will be the go-to spot for men looking to knock out their holiday shopping quickly and effortlessly!