Shop Late Thursdays are back, and we’re excited to help downtown businesses make the most of these extended evening hours! These nights create the perfect atmosphere—twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and shoppers eager to find meaningful gifts close to home. It’s a golden opportunity to showcase your products, offer special promotions, and make holiday shopping easy and enjoyable for everyone who walks through your door.
Gift Ideas That Draw Shoppers In
Ready to inspire your customers and simplify their holiday shopping? Here are a few ways to create irresistible in-store offerings:
Grab-and-Go Gifts
Curate $25 bundles that are beautifully packaged and ready to grab on the fly—perfect for last-minute shoppers or anyone on a tight schedule.
Mix-and-Match Gift Bundles
Pair complementary items together to create themed or curated bundles that take the guesswork out of gifting.
Deal of the Night
Feature one highlighted item or offer a special discount available only during Shop Late Thursdays. Display it prominently so shoppers know it’s the night’s big steal.
Themed Bundles
Think “self-care night,” “cozy at home,” “sweet treats,” or “local favorites.” Creative bundles make gifting effortless and fun.
Quick Gifting Solutions
Keep ready-made gifts, gift bags, and small trinkets on hand for shoppers who just need something simple and thoughtful.
Gift Wrapping
Offering complimentary or low-cost gift wrapping is an easy way to elevate the shopping experience—and save your customers time.
First-Come, First-Served Specials
Limited quantities create urgency, which encourages shoppers to act quickly and can help move featured products.
A Little Help for the Guys
Let’s be honest—sometimes men appreciate a little extra guidance when shopping for the women in their lives. Make it easy by:
- Highlighting simple, sure-to-please “gifts for her.”
- Creating ready-made bundles geared toward stress-free, quick shopping.
- Using signage like “gifts she’ll love” so no one overthinks it.
It’s a lighthearted, helpful way to boost sales while offering a more personalized shopping experience.
Promote Your Shop Late Thursday Specials In-Store
Help shoppers notice (and get excited about) your specials by:
- Featuring gift ideas near the entrance for easy browsing.
- Using signage, table tents, or chalkboards to highlight deals and ready-made bundles.
- Sharing your featured items on social media and tagging Columbia City Connect to expand your reach.
- Encouraging your team to guide shoppers if they need help—sometimes a simple suggestion can spark a sale.
Let’s make Shop Late Thursdays a fun, festive and memorable experience for everyone visiting downtown this holiday season. Together, we can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that keeps shoppers coming back week after week.
